Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2018 Gr 4–8—As rich as the history it relates, this book is thoroughly illustrated with artwork, maps, and photographs—most from the Field Museum Collection. As in Bardoe's other works, the writing is lucid and thoughtful, though the pace is very rapid; hundreds of years can pass in a paragraph. From the start, Bardoe stresses that there are "many Chinas." Five chapters cover prehistory (while introducing archaeological practices), early dynastic China, philosophies (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, folk religion), interaction with other countries (14th to the 20th centuries), and China's future. Among the most attractive features in the book are the regular invitations for readers to imagine themselves living a specific cultural moment or role: in a Neolithic village, as a scholar-official, a nun, or a resident of Guangzhou during the Opium Wars. Politics (before the 1900s) and economics, agriculture and technology, are all given weight. Along the way, Bardoe describes the many contributions of China to culture and civilization, including several pages on opera, as well as acknowledging roles for, and restrictions on, the non-noble classes and women. VERDICT An excellent primer on an important world power. Most middle school and YA collections will want to consider.—Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly at St. George's School, Newport, RI - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 12/15/2018 Making expansive illustrative use of the collections belonging to the Field Museum in Chicago, this cultural history of China covers thousands of years. Covering so much in a juvenile nonfiction work of less than 200 pages is a daunting endeavor, but Bardoe, a former senior projects manager at the museum, does her best to give a broad overview encapsulating high points of the region's accomplishments. Dynastic government systems, art, trade, and technological advancements are compared and contrasted with Western civilizations, offering readers a broader view of the world today and its roots. Imagine Being sections are windows to the past, giving an idea of what it would be like to be a Chinese scholar, farmer, and even an empress. A time line links highlights of different periods to simultaneous events in other parts of the world. Illustrations include not only artifacts and maps but also photos of archaeologists in the field. Highly recommended as a way to introduce historical diversity to all collections. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.