Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/08/2022 Gr 2–4—This is an autobiography of Rob Kearney and his career as a competitive weight lifter and body builder. It follows him from childhood, when he showed a prowess for super strength, doing a variety of sports from football to cheerleading before moving forward to adulthood where he begins to train for the Strongman competitions. Kearney's story is inspiring as it shows how perseverance and tenacity are important traits for working towards goals. It is also a story about gender expression and identity. His personal style is celebrated and encouraged by his very supportive partner, Joey, who not only trains with him but always motivates him to be true to himself, from rainbow hair to floral and pastel training clothes. The book is also filled with facts about a sport that isn't widely featured in children's literature. For example, a diagram of all the necessary gear needed to train for the Strongman competition provides a visual element without distracting from the story's narrative. The book is filled with relatable anecdotes and moments that readers can connect to; Kearney actually comes in last in one of the competitions. The illustrations are vivid and dynamic. VERDICT This is an important and unique topic told in an engaging narrative style, featuring a little-known sport, a great athlete, and an even greater story of ultimate sportsmanship.—Melanie Okadigwe - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2022 Flexing his muscles and sporting a rainbow mohawk on the book’s cover, Kearney, the world’s first openly gay strongman, is sure to pique the interest of readers curious about how he became strong enough to pull fire trucks, lift a refrigerator, and hoist heavy logs. This biographical picture book details the way the author went from a strong kid to an athletic teen whose strength came in handy as a quarterback, cheerleader, and weight lifter to a noted adult athlete. Kids will like that he thought of himself as a superhero when he met his weight goals and how his introduction to strongman competitions appealed to his need to push himself. Attracted to bright clothes when not competing, he dressed drably at contests, but once he met another weight lifter at training, he fell in love and began to find the inner strength to be himself. This happy, bright book helps break LGBTQ+ stereotypes and makes for a celebratory read during Pride Month—and all year long. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.