Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 07/23/2023 *Starred Review* It’s pool day, which can be a daunting time for those still learning to navigate the water, but the child protagonist of Together We Swim is a perfect portrayal of how persistence and determination, along with support from his mom, create the perfect blend of encouragement to keep him swimming. Bolling’s succinct, concise, yet seamless rhyming lines join with Juanita’s gorgeous artwork to illustrate a close-knit Black family’s joy-filled day at the pool. Bolling’s story serves as a reminder to young readers that it’s okay to be afraid of trying something new and that it’s also natural to count on others for guidance and support in those trying times. From the vivid cerulean hues to the attention to detail paid to each of the family member’s appearances, Juanita’s art style conveys a calm, cool day in the water. As the family leaves the pool with smiles and laughs, young swimmers-to-be will be reassured that pool time can be a wonderful activity, and this second collaboration of Bolling and Juanita (following 2022’s Together We Ride) is testament to the success of their teamwork when depicting heartwarming family stories. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2023 Gr 1–2—With a rhythmic cadence, the text's spare language highlights the quickly changing emotions encapsulated in a young boy's first foray into swimming. The narrative goes from his initial trepidation, to a first tentative kick, then increasing confidence, and finally, "I'm swimming! Mouth grinning." The young boy's mother stays close, underscoring safety despite a "slight blunder," even before she reminds him, "Don't fear. I'm here." Dynamic, blue-hued illustrations make excellent use of vignettes and highlight movement and time passing, as well as celebrate the special parent-child relationship Bolling explored so well in Together We Ride that forms the heart of the story. Readers will love the illustrator's details: swim caps on the girls, Dad's mermaid tattoo, and the way the close family sticks together in and out of the pool. It's a triumph when the boy makes his first steady kicks and swaggers ahead of his family, proud and confident. VERDICT This excellent read-aloud celebrates accomplishment and honors fear and a misstep or two. Recommended for all libraries.—Rebecca Kirshenbaum - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.