Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/15/2023 K-Gr 2—This stirring picture book will inspire kids (and the adults in their lives) to speak up, stand up, and say what's on their minds. Granny tells her granddaughter that she is taking them on "The Walk," but they have to pick up a few souls on the way. The picture book's narrator is confused but joins her grandmother in gathering people from the neighborhood to make the long walk to the voting booth. In cars and on the streets, the trip is celebratory, determined, and triumphant, despite the long distance. This call to participatory democracy told through the eyes of a Black girl is a rallying cry to the next generation of voters and their grown-ups who may be discouraged because of recent elections. The sea of faces approaching the polls is diverse. The main characters are Black, and many of the other voters are BIPOC. The narrator connects with an Asian girl, and they walk hand in hand in front of their grandmothers, united in their purpose to make a change in their communities. Lewis's textured watercolor illustrations magnify Bingham's vitalizing words. The parade of people of all races, body types, and abilities recalls the marches that have taken place to secure the right to vote for every citizen, especially those who are non-white. Regardless of the result, The Walk is how voters can make positive change and be molded into the leaders of tomorrow. VERDICT Gorgeous writing paired with luminous art and combined with an impactful message make this work an essential purchase.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2023 *Starred Review* “My granny is taking me on THE WALK,” says a Black girl who isn’t quite sure what that means or where they’re going on this cold, sunny day. Her grandmother says that leaders are “made through molding and modeling.” As they walk, they’re joined by some “treasured souls,” including an elderly lady with a walker, the local barber and all the men sitting in his shop, and Mrs. Wong, accompanied by her granddaughter. Together they march into the local school, where the adults exercise their right to vote. As Granny explains, “Voting is how grown folks speak up. It’s how we stand up and say what’s on our minds.” It’s an important message, delivered lightly in this handsome picture book. Granny speaks her mind but doesn’t lecture. Similarly, Bingham doesn’t burden the story with history lessons, but lets her audience absorb what they can from the story. And the girl's narrative is that of a quiet observer. Lewis brings scenes to life in a series of beautiful paintings portraying the walkers as a diverse group of individuals taking part in a meaningful shared experience. Serious but not solemn, this picture book is an excellent read-aloud choice for classroom units on democracy, civil rights, and voting. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.