Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/15/2021 *Starred Review* This absorbing, thoroughly researched book provides an in-depth look at racism and offers steps young readers can take to become antiracist advocates. Fleming, a sociologist, defines racism, its history, and its pervasiveness in a wide range of areas—the media, sports, the criminal justice system, and health care. In describing white supremacy, Fleming focuses on how the system has affected all people of color, using examples from history such as the theft of Indigenous peoples’ land, Chinese American and Chicano citizenship restrictions, and Japanese American internment during WWII. She examines the lynchings of both Mexican and Black people in the U.S. and recounts the long history of racial violence against Latinx and Asian Americans. Fleming’s conversational tone and frequent reminder to readers to reflect on the questions she poses as they read will draw them in, as will the text’s ripped-from-the-headlines examples. One of the book’s strengths is the statement reiterated throughout that race is a social construct, and she highlights many successful BIPOC who have helped to break barriers. The book’s positivity, depth of information not mentioned in other books for this age group, and the five steps provided to help people become antiracist advocates make this a standout and are sure to inspire young people to act. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.