Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2025 Gr 3–5—Titles in this new series celebrate artistic accomplishments, people, events, and landmarks that may be less well-known, but are significant pieces of Black history. Readers are introduced to famous cowboy Bill Pickett, the first Black supermodel Donyale Luna, and activist Bayard Rustin along with sites such as the Penn School and events like an early open-heart surgery. Links between the present and historical people and events are pointed out. For instance, Constance Baker Motley being appointed as the first Black female federal judge was an inspiration to current Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Plentiful photos and illustrations support the text, and highlighted terms appear in the glossary. Each book ends with a timeline that includes thumbnail images for reference. A list of books for further reading is also provided. VERDICT A recommended purchase for collections looking to offer more coverage of important historical and cultural contributions by Black Americans. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2026 The From the Archives series presents aspects of Black history in America, grouped thematically. Overlooked Creations of Black Art and Culture spotlights Black individuals’ achievements in music, sports, and the arts. This volume includes an entry on nineteenth-century artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, whose famous painting, The Banjo Lesson portrays an elderly Black man teaching his grandson to play the banjo; the work stood in counterpoint to the instrument’s use in minstrel shows popular during the time period. Illustrated with many archival photos, this volume in an informative series is well designed to capture kids’ interest. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.