Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 04/01/2017 PreS-Gr 3—How can a family stay intact if a parent is incarcerated? This tale follows children as they deal with bullying, isolation, fear, guilt, and uncertainty. In one scene, Xavier has his face down and is worried because he needs to keep his father's incarceration a secret while he is surrounded by happy children playing outside. Later on, Xavier is able to talk to his father on the phone and stay connected—where "he doesn't have to keep secrets from his dad." The multiple story lines show the breadth of emotions a child may feel, as when Raphael is still angry and continues to avoid talking to his mom on the phone. This important picture book functions as a guide for children to understand their emotions about an incarcerated parent, but it also works as a way for a caregiver to support the child. The line drawings, in vignettes, have a soft palette and focus on the emotions of the children. The book ends with a note to caregivers, further resources, and tips to help adults be open and understanding. VERDICT A highly recommended title that serves as an excellent entry to discuss incarceration in an age-appropriate way or as a tool for children as they work through their complicated feelings.—Karen Ginman, BookOps: The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2017 Having a parent in prison is a complicated matter, but Birtha’s book—more bibliotherapeutic than literary—thoughtfully tackles this topic. It clearly and gently explains to the reader, presumably a child with one or more incarcerated parents, a range of possible scenarios about how it feels. Drawing on her own experience, Birtha gilds the text with tenderness and affirmation so that all responses are rendered valid. Rashid is angry with is mother for breaking the law (and her promise not to). Juana misses her siblings, scattered among different families when both parents are arrested. Yen has so many questions and no way to ask. In addition to the children’s feelings, we learn about the ways adults treat children with incarcerated parents: some with judgment, and others with kindness and friendship. The book ends with sage advice: talk to a trusted adult. Don’t bottle anything up inside. Back matter includes strategies for adults about how to talk to children. Jacqueline Woodson’s Visiting Day (2002) makes a nice fictional pairing for this book. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

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