Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 12/15/2019 With the rise of new legislation mandating civic education before high school, this book could not be timelier. When the kids of Stanton Elementary learn that their school will close on Election Day to become a polling station, they are energized to participate, declaring that “kids have to live with adult choices,” which is why they must help by urging voter participation. Vibrant illustrations contribute to the almost frenetic energy with which the children spread the word about Election Day. They encounter apathetic adults who are quick with excuses for not voting, but the children are ready with eloquent reasoning for why standing in line, being out of town, or thinking that a single vote won’t make a difference are poor reasons for not heading to the polls. There’s a bit of shaming going on here, and it’s spot-on! A back-matter list of “Acts of Congress” gives examples of significant laws to dispel any lingering doubts about the importance of voting. A must-read in all social studies classes. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 01/01/2020 K-Gr 3—Stanton Elementary closes on Election Day in November to serve the community not just as a school, but as a polling station for voters. The students decide to take action. They learn about the election process in an effort to spread the word about the importance of voting to those who actually have the power to vote—namely, the adults in their lives. From the author of A Poem in Your Pocket, this book is a motivational call to action. Avoiding divisive partisan rhetoric, McNamara instead addresses the many reasons people give for not voting. For instance, when one student approaches a woman about voting, the woman replies that she does not like waiting in line. The student replies that if she can wait in line for coffee or for a movie, she can wait in line to vote. It is also mentioned that voting early or by mail is a possibility. Information on how to access voting and voter registration information is prevalent throughout as the students research in the library and visit their local election office. At the end is a list of Congressional Acts that demonstrate the rights that have been awarded to Americans throughout history, offering inspiration for how voices can collectively make a difference. VERDICT This entertaining and engaging story has a powerful and timely message. The children sum it up best by stating, "Kids have to live with adults' choices," which makes voting a difficult task to ignore.—Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.