Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2026 Gr 4–7—Nelson delivers this compelling companion to the acclaimed We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, chronicling the history of basketball. Narrated by the sage voice of an elder player, the book traces the sport from its slow beginnings in 1891 to the dazzling, fast-paced game it is today. The book's strengths are in its visual impact; it features an oversized format and nearly 60 showstopping color paintings that bring the heart-pounding history to life. Nelson addresses the sport's diversity and segregation, noting that the game was initially confined to white-owned gymnasiums and not open to African Americans. It highlights Edwin B. Henderson, the father of Black basketball, who introduced the game in segregated Washington, DC, in 1904. The narrative covers iconic Black teams like the Harlem Globetrotters—who named themselves to signal they were a Black team to avoid trouble in remote towns—and the Harlem Rens, who won the 1939 World's Championship but were ignored by major papers due to their race. Profiles of revolutionary players, such as Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan are provided, along with notable quotes. VERDICT With its strong focus on the historical context of segregation and its comprehensive coverage of the sport's indomitable heroes, this is an excellent addition for collections, appealing strongly to sports enthusiasts and readers seeking diverse historical perspectives.—Richard Winters - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.