Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/01/2025 This collection of original poems comes from the former Young People’s Poet Laureate and complements her previous offerings celebrating notable Latin Americans and important events in the history of the many nations of Latin America. The 20 subjects include rulers, athletes, scientists, writers, and entertainers, among others (including Indigenous artists, names unknown) who worked to secure better futures for their communities. Each brief two- or three-stanza selection is written in free verse and includes a bit of historical context, as well as first-person commentary that encourages relevancy and immediacy, such as the poem on Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú Tum: “Peace. / It’s my lifelong goal, / a way to save children’s lives / so they can grow up to share / glorious / hope.” The poem titles often reflect inspirational qualities (Simón Bolívar: “Determined”; Indigenous wildlife conservationists: “Courageous”). Eye-catching, detailed full-page portraits reflect Latin American folk art motifs; the end matter offers brief biographical profiles. This upbeat, accessible introduction to Latin American role models is also available in Spanish as Héroes de la esparanza. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.