Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/20/2024 Gr 2–6—A stirring picture book biography about a singular Argentine singer who shone a spotlight on the Indigenous people and working class of her country. Mercedes Sosa (1935–2009) was born in poverty, but her musical talent gave her an opportunity to showcase her Indigenous roots. While the native Argentine culture was being slowly forgotten, she continued to perform the folk music of her people. She also used her popularity to fight for social justice. It was this work that brought her to the attention of the dictatorship and the military government that ruled her country from 1976 to 1983. She had to flee and live in exile for many years, but her voice would not be silenced. The author-illustrator's narrative is lyrical and melodious, much like the subject of the work. Pérez-Prado's text doesn't shy away from the difficult truth about the Dirty War, in which many who spoke against the government were "disappeared." Sometimes the transitions between biography and history are a little jarring, but the lilting words will push students past that. The jewel-tone, digital collage illustrations are powerful, often alternating between one page to entire spreads with a compelling effect. Back matter includes a more extensive biography, a glossary of the Spanish words sprinkled throughout, some photos, and a bibliography. VERDICT A strong choice for many curricular tie-ins, such as women's, Latin American, Indigenous, and social studies. Purchase for picture book biography shelves.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2024 This lyrical picture-book biography of singer and human rights activist Mercedes Sosa begins with the lines Have you ever heard a song that made your heart soar? A canción that captured your corazón? The story tells of Sosa's inspiring rise from a young girl with Indigenous roots living in rural poverty to an accomplished artist of international stardom, becoming a symbol of resistance for the people of Argentina during the military dictatorship of the 1980s. Accessible Spanish terms used within context pop up throughout the pages, enriching the text and highlighting Sosa's commitment to preserving the folk songs of Argentina while fighting for the rights and dignity of the common people. The illustrations add intensity, using rich hues, cutouts, and color overlays to enhance the drama of the action, punctuating the emotions beneath Sosa's lyrics and emphasizing the courage it took to sing those songs during the repressive regime. Back matter includes background history, a glossary of Spanish terms, and an extended bibliography. A fitting tribute to an exceptional woman. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.