Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2023 In colorful picture book format, this title features a diverse group of children answering, “What do you think makes a person an American?” After some initial answers like “where we live” and “how we look,” each child goes on to share specific values they believe in and why. For example, “basic human rights” stems from one student’s Irish ancestors, who migrated to escape hunger and poverty; another, whose family found refuge from war-torn Somalia, highlights “safety.” For some, their definitions stem from experiences that notably don’t reflect the other values, such as those of a displaced Muscogee family in the 1800s (“I believe in perseverance”) and a contemporary Black family’s experience with redlining (“We will continue our fight for equality”). The characters and their stories reflect many lived realities and provide a dynamic sense of America’s many facets, which is echoed in Freeman’s lovely, luminous, quilt-like illustrations. Though some complex concepts might make more sense to older readers, this will likely encourage discussion and further exploration of American ideals and identity. Robust source notes offer a wealth of supportive background. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/02/2023 Gr 1–5—The Statue of Liberty, a soaring bald eagle, and the Stars and Stripes introduce the American experience and the important tenets that make this a nation. Large appealing faces of a diverse group of young people populate each page. These children of varied ages discuss what makes them American. The picture book presents different groups of Americans and how they came to the United States. Behind each child narrator's head, woven into the background, are the origin stories. The illustrations include quilt squares with soft patterns and bits of the flag. The work features the experiences of those from Indigenous, Black, LGBTQIA+, Chinese, Irish, Russian, German, Japanese, Indian, Somali, Mexican, Filipino, and Venezuelan backgrounds. The book concludes by celebrating diversity as a strength that can help build a better nation. The author includes her own origin story in her notes. The last pages expand on each section, differentiating the book for older readers. Paragraphs discuss the factors that influenced migration and the experiences of non-immigrant groups (Indigenous peoples, enslaved peoples). Additional matter includes a map, further reading, bibliography, and more. VERDICT A lushly illustrated, accessible title.—Elisabeth LeBris - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.