Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2022 Gr 1–4—Juneteenth, an important celebration of the end of slavery, was first celebrated in Texas in 1865. This was several years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, when enslaved individuals learned of their freedom. Rolle's poem offers glimpses of the joy of freedom, the hardships of the years after, and how Juneteenth has evolved over time. Many lines directly quote the Emancipation Proclamation, such as "All who live in bondage here shall from now until be free." Spreads give more context to the meaning behind the freedom Juneteenth celebrates through depictions of formerly enslaved individuals moving forward and finally celebrating in modern times with friends and family. Some sections of the poem rhyme, and some read more like free verse. The poem has an overall lyrical feel that evokes a range of emotions, from sadness for the realities of the many hardships still faced right after emancipation, to the hope and resilience of newfound freedom. Each stanza is paired with gorgeous and warm artwork that complements the text. In the author's note, Rolle includes more of the history behind Juneteenth, which only became recognized as a national holiday in 2021. This book presents historical moments in an accessible way, through artwork and poetry. VERDICT A worthy purchase for elementary libraries needing nonfiction texts for the Juneteenth holiday.—Molly Dettman - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2022 *Starred Review* This picture book celebrates Rolle’s 2004 poem “Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem.” The first line takes readers back to June 19, 1865: “The news arrived in Galveston: / The war is over!” As Rolle describes how formerly enslaved people responded to emancipation, her effortless lines flow with a soft, steady cadence: “After 300 years of forced bondage, / hands bound, descendants of Africa / picked up their souls—all that they owned— / leaving shackles where they fell on the ground, / headed for the nearest resting place to be found.” The soulful illustrations in a muted palette align seamlessly, portraying events in a dignified, momentous style. In her author’s note, Rolle acknowledges that there is no official ending date for slavery, and that many individuals remained enslaved long after the Emancipation Proclamation. She also explains how Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, became the symbolic representation of freedom and how her poem is linked to the annual celebration. These lyrical verses are perfect for reading out loud, and the full-page illustrations will be easy to share. This lovely offering serves as powerful affirmation: “Wherever they went alone or abreast / at the end of their journey, they cried, / ‘I’ve done my best.’” - Copyright 2022 Booklist.