Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/15/2023 Peoples remarks in her afterword that we can be divided into “lookers” who see and “non-lookers” who do not and that most children fall into the first category. Here she spins a family story into a sensitive child’s account of meeting Mister Blue, a street musician who “lives outside,” making a “too-good-not-to-move groove” on upended buckets that invites everyone to sometimes dance, sometimes march. Her grandfather, it turns out, has known him a long time, through “some weary days / and some looking-up days / and some just-gotta-keep-pushing days.” Questions she is moved to ask—“Is he safe?” “Is he lonely?” “Is he hungry?”—lead her at last to pull her grandfather out into a rainy night, find Mister Blue lying on a bench, and invite him inside. In painterly illustrations accompanying the spare narrative, bright cherry blossoms over farmers’ market booths form a backdrop to scenes of dark-skinned figures flourishing “Say Their Names” and “Now Is the Time” posters or boogeying down together, leading to a final indoor jam. A sweet tribute to all who have eyes, and hearts. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 12/08/2023 PreS-Gr 4—A young girl and her grandfather find joy playing music together in the park. She meets Mister Blue, Papa's friend who lives outdoors, creating enchanting music that makes people "Rise!" and "March!" She wonders, "Is he safe? Is he scared? Is he lonely?" Peoples emphasizes the importance of children choosing to see, contemplate, and ask challenging questions often overlooked by adults. In a transformative journey, the girl and Papa invite Mister Blue into their lives where he soon becomes the girl's cherished musician and friend. The narrative, beautifully illustrated with oil and graphite, encourages readers to muster empathy for individuals like Mister Blue. The author urges open minds and hearts toward all those around them. VERDICT This heartwarming tale illustrates the profound impact of empathy and inclusion; it's a lovely picture book that will be at home in most collections.—Kirsten Caldwell - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.