Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/27/2022 Gr 3–6—This engaging book's front matter asks a simple, yet powerful, question. What might happen if a group of children from all around the world joined together to share details about their lives? From this jumping-off point, Hughes explores the similarities and differences among children from a wide array of cultures through the lens of nine categories with universal appeal and applicability: first words, family, home, school, favorite foods, chores and responsibilities, community service, play, and dreams for the future. In her appealing, warm-toned spreads, Casson elucidates key concepts through imaginative composition. In one image, the fabric of a Bangladeshi girl's garment stretches out to depict a river during the rainy season; in another, an Ecuadorian boy's school experience is shown in miniature underneath the bench of his shoeshine business. VERDICT This thoughtful volume will appeal to older readers seeking a snapshot of childhood across the globe.—Jonah Dragan - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.