Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/01/2023 This colorful picture book celebrates the names, languages, and cultures of six different kids who are of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Diné, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent. Through vivid, lyrical prose, the children share the meaning and history of their names, which reflect their diverse backgrounds and identities. Each child confidently urges the reader to “say my name” and to do so correctly, for “anything less is not me.” For anyone reading the story for the first time unsure of just how to correctly pronounce any name, back matter includes a pronunciation guide along with additional cultural context. Still, an audio companion with a full pronunciation guide including intonation, syllable stress, and more would be very helpful, especially for young readers. Digital illustrations incorporate rich colors and colorful patterns, many of which are full two-page spreads. The striking artwork enhances the beauty of each world that is captured. The result is a celebratory story that embraces identities and the beautiful origins behind one’s name. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2023 Gr 1–3—Many children understand the frustration and pain that comes with having a name that their teachers, doctors, and other adults outside of their families cannot seem to correctly pronounce. The book takes that experience very seriously, offering its readers an opportunity to take pride in the beautiful origins of their names. Children from several underrepresented cultures, from Tongan to Persian, can be found in this title and each celebrates their names and the meanings behind them. The text is gorgeously lyrical, as lovingly constructed as the illustrations that accompany it, depicting the characters in their native landscapes, surrounded by patterns inspired by the art of their people. Readers and educators alike will be delighted to see the back matter that includes how to correctly pronounce these names they've learned so much about. Ho, acknowledging that she is writing outside of her own culture and experiences, credits the different people that helped bring life to this book. She has quickly become a go-to source for affirming children's literature, and her adoration for her growing audience of young readers is etched into every page. VERDICT A moving title that honors its readers and encourages them to feel confident in their cultural identities.—Alexandra Quay - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.