Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/21/2025 Gr 2–7—A warm and engaging biographical look into the life and legacy of Jella Lepman, a visionary who believed deeply in the power of stories to heal and connect. The book traces Lepman's journey from her childhood in Germany through her marriage, career, and ultimately her extraordinary work in the aftermath of World War II. It highlights how her lifelong love of words and stories shaped her mission to bring hope, empathy, and understanding to children living through the trauma of war. One of the book's strengths is how it situates Lepman's personal history within a broader historical context. Readers gain insight into the challenges she faced during and after WWII, and how these experiences inspired her to create what would become the world's largest children's library. While the book certainly acknowledges this landmark achievement, more than half of the narrative focuses on Lepman's life story, offering depth and humanity to a figure whose contributions often go unrecognized. The illustrations are rustic and reminiscent of picture book styles from the era, adding texture and authenticity. Their muted tones and classic line work help evoke the period and enhance the emotional resonance of the narrative. VERDICT An accessible and inspiring introduction to Jella Lepman's work that provides a meaningful read for children and adults alike, especially those interested in history, literacy, and the transformative power of books.—Jessica Calaway - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 12/01/2024 *Starred Review* Jella Lepman was a Jewish German newspaper reporter who fled the country following Hitler's rise to power. After WWII, she returned to occupied Germany as the Allied forces’ “advisor on the cultural and educational needs of women and children.” Her personal mission soon became clear: to introduce Germany's children to people around the world through children’s books donated by other countries for German children to enjoy. Initially, some European nations refused, unwilling to reward Germany for its aggression, but Lepman won them over, pointing out that Germany’s children were not responsible for their elders’ actions and that cultural ties would help prevent future wars. Many German children had suffered during the war, forced to join the Hitler Youth, losing one or both of their parents, reduced to begging or stealing for survival, or sent to live with strangers in other countries. Initially, Lepman succeeded in creating a traveling exhibit of children’s books. Later, her International Youth Library opened in Munich. Paterson portrays her as a woman whose boundless energy, practicality, and persistence enabled her to achieve her goals. Photos and intriguing illustrations appear throughout the book, helping children visualize the people and places mentioned in this well-researched, insightful, and consistently engaging story. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.