Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 11/03/2025 In this illuminating picture book biography about a figure who "could always find a way," Clark-Rhines and Clark-Robinson frame the life of civil rights activist and teacher Septima Clark (1898-1987) as one driven by the subject’s passion for education and belief in equality. Clark was raised in Charleston by her formerly enslaved father and freeborn Haitian mother, who believed that education was the key to granting their daughter more in life. When school proved "not much" ("Black students had to sit... on the bleachers, doing nothing") her mother took on housework for a former teacher in exchange for tutoring. At 18, Clark became a teacher herself, using Sears catalogs to teach reading when books for her students proved scarce. In the 1950s, after literacy tests were imposed to disenfranchise Black people, Clark used her experience to establish "citizenship schools" that taught "folks to own their rights." And following a request from Martin Luther King Jr., "she taught thousands of teachers, and together, they taught hundreds of thousands of adult students." Emotionally driven text introduces the figure’s favorite childhood hymn, "Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round," referencing its message of perseverance at significant moments, while Albano-Payton’s thickly stroked oil illustrations supply expressive portraits on every spread. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Authors’ notes and a timeline conclude. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 01/01/2026 *Starred Review* This picture-book biography of teacher and education activist Septima Clark, who Martin Luther King, Jr. called the “Mother of the Movement,” is a collaboration from her granddaughter and a Junior Library Guild Gold Choice author, lending well to its authenticity and quality. The story concentrates on how Clark could “always find a way” to overcome discrimination, whether sharing the knowledge gained from her private tutor with other kids in her community, using Sears catalogs and dry-cleaning paper bags to teach her own students how to read and write when they were denied school supplies, or running night classes to educate adults so they could pass unfair voter registration tests. The lyrical prose and expressive oil-on-canvas illustrations effectively convey the story of this gifted teacher who effectively employed an “each one teach one” culture that helped 700,000 Black people become voters. Lines from Clark’s favorite spiritual, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round,” help propel the narrative, and the back matter includes notes from the authors, a time line, and memorable quotes from Clark. Unbelievably, there are few children’s titles that even mention this amazingly influential woman and her contributions to the civil rights movement. This laudatory account is a fitting tribute to an icon who fittingly believed that “continued learning is the basis for being richly alive.” - Copyright 2026 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/03/2026 Gr 1–4—A stirring glimpse into the rich life of Septima Clark (1898–1987). Despite inequitable access to education, literacy, and basic human rights and with the strength and wisdom gleaned from her parents, Clarke became a highly sought-after teacher. In the 1950s, when Black people were prevented from voting, she organized classes so that her adult students could use their literacy skills to become activists, vote, and make decisions. This text showcases the subject's ferocity, determination, and complexity. Children will be inspired by her strong desire to move forward while facing countless setbacks. The church hymn "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" wraps around the narrative, creating a lyrical melody. The emphasis on integrity despite constant discrimination and ridicule helps to shape the strong themes of literacy and liberation in the picture book. The illustrations include rich oil paintings of Clark and other leading activists from this period. Every face is painted with realistic details, evoking an array of emotions and a variety of earthy hues. Back matter includes a timeline of Clark's life from birth to death as well as profound quotes of wisdom. VERDICT A powerful picture book biography that urges readers to understand the importance of education and literacy.—Brianna Amoscato - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.