Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 Gr –—Lowry recounts her memories of being a child in Hawaii and her experience of moving to Tokyo when she was 11. Her personal experiences serve as the narrative foundation that eulogizes the many lives lost in two of World War II's tragic events: the bombing of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. This series of beautiful, moving, and sometimes horrifying poems gives a voice to the young men on the USS Arizona and offers an equally moving tribute to the survivors of Hiroshima. A brief introduction explains the author's presence in Hawaii and recounts the bombing of Pearl Harbor, followed by the poems of survivors as well as those who died. The poems are touching but also very specific and sometimes graphic. One discusses the captain of the Arizona and how his ring from the Naval Academy was found melted and fused to a mast of the ship. Poems about those who experienced Hiroshima are equally graphic but certainly just as compelling. The second half of the book provides a brief explanation about the bombing of Hiroshima followed by the poems. The final section depicts Lowry's experiences living in Tokyo. The author shares her hope for the future and stresses the interconnectedness of humanity. VERDICT While not an essential purchase, Lowry offers a unique view of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima in an unusual format that could be useful for the classroom. Teachers looking for different approaches to history could use this title to highlight the differences and similarities that perspective brings to history.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2020 *Starred Review* Two events in WWII’s Pacific theater lead to congruence and awareness in poems composed by Newbery Medal–winning Lowry, which explore Pearl Harbor—specifically the sinking of the battleship Arizona—and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. What makes the poems special and so relatable for young audiences is how they overlap with Lowry’s childhood experiences. As a toddler on Oahu, Hawaii, she played in the sand as the Arizona floated in the background. As a girl living in postwar Japan, she crossed paths with a boy who had witnessed the strike on Hiroshima. These moments, specific to Lowry and the boy—who became children’s author Allen Say—bookend other vivid moments defining the lives of those involved in either tragedy. The story of Captain Kidd and other sailors aboard the battleship is the focus of the first series of poems, mirroring the second section, which covers a Japanese boy and his bicycle, as well as Sadako and her origami cranes. Part three brings Lowry to postwar moments and to the present, when she visits memorials for the Arizona and Hiroshima. Pak’s illustrations likewise focus on simple moments, items, and portraits. The effect is deeply felt and emotive, not about sides but about people, and it’s sure to lead readers to think deeply on these dual tragedies of war. A must for all collections. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Any new project from two-time Newbery Medal–winner Lowry is big news, and this turn to poetry—supported by an author tour—is sure to intrigue. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

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