Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 10/20/2025 An Afro-Indigenous boy experiencing nightmares learns about the events experienced by his ancestors in a nested telling from African American poet Grimes (A Cup of Quiet), Choctaw author Wells (the Tana Cooks series), and Lenni Lenape artist Lewis (Sparrow). Living with his family in a place "now named Oklahoma," Black and Choctaw eight-year-old Dante Dawes isn’t afraid of much-just the bad dreams that visit him regularly. After yet another nightmare wakes him, his mother tells him about ancestors who were "stronger than" the history they endured: the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa Race Massacre. The authorial collaborators weave sensate anchors into an extended telling, adding to the text’s depth, as when Dante, researching his lineage, realizes, "This was a hard story,/ sharp as a thorn." Realistic watercolor illustrations intersperse full-color present-day spreads with dark-blue nightmare sequences and sepia-toned historical scenes as Dante finds his way toward sound sleep, and the understanding that "we come from people stronger than fear" in this thoughtful picture book. Closes with creator notes, more about the historical events discussed, and a Choctaw-English glossary. Ages 4-8. Authors’ agents: (for Grimes) Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown; (for Wells) Savannah Brooks, Jennifer De Chiara Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Jeff Dwyer, Dwyer & O’Grady. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2026 *Starred Review* An eight-year-old Afro-Indigenous boy faces his fears by drawing on the strength of his ancestors. Dante is not afraid of much, but nightmares make his “insides quiver,” and he wakes up crying. His mother offers a warm embrace and shows Dante pictures of their Choctaw foremother who survived the Trail of Tears and their Black foremother who survived the Tulsa Race Massacre. Inspired to learn more about his family’s history, the child heads to the public library (“the house of stories”) to find answers. In the pages of books, he reads his predecessors’ stories of being forcibly removed from their homes and subjected to brutality. The truths cut deep, “sharp as a thorn.” By digging into his family’s roots, Dante also discovers an intergenerational legacy of courage and enduring love. With a newfound sense of pride, connection, and knowledge, the child sleeps well: “We come from people stronger than fear, stronger than nightmares, stronger than anything.” Lewis’ (Lenni Lanape) watercolor paintings capture a sun-dappled summertime in contemporary Oklahoma, as well as sepia-toned historical scenes. Choctaw words are interwoven in the lyrical text of Coretta Scott King Award winner Grimes and debut author Wells (Choctaw). Back matter includes notes from the creators, historical information, and a glossary. A powerful picture book about a Black Choctaw child discovering who he is. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/15/2026 Gr 1–5—Dante, a Black Choctaw boy with dark skin, draws strength from his ancestors' lived stories to overcome his nightmares in this powerful collaboration by Grimes, Wells (Choctaw), and Lewis (Lenni Lenape). At eight years old, Dante's only fears are in his dreams. His mother speaks of "daymares" and how his ancestors survived the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa Race Massacre. She tells him he's strong and that "They were stronger than nightmares, stronger than their daymares, too." Dante discovers more about these events at the public library, and he's filled with sadness and pride, helping his nightmares to end. Rich with cross-generational appeal, exquisite watercolor illustrations generously convey emotion and context for transitions. As the narrative flows into historical events, Lewis's palette fades from bright colors to a sepia richness. Intricate cultural details are woven into the art and text. Dante's uncle, who has dark skin, carries two sticks for stickball across his back as he walks with him to the library. Narrative cues define Choctaw words, and a strong sense of community and love is evident. Back matter includes authors' notes, historical references, a Choctaw-English glossary, and a note from editor Cynthia Leitich Smith. VERDICT A must-purchase from powerhouse creators that will resonate with all children.—Rachel Zuffa - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.