Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2022 K-Gr 4—Theodore experienced being "the only brown person in class," which meant having to hear the history of African Americans from enslavement to civil rights and having to shoulder that burden, the stares, whispers, and racist comments from classmates. Now, 30 years later, history is repeating itself as the narrator's daughter is facing the same challenges. By invoking generations of strong female family members, an alternative narrative emerges. This history is hard, but the attributes that rise to the forefront are strength, courage, creativity, and resilience. The importance of education and the opportunities it provides are front and center; a future of possibilities, rooted firmly in the past and the generations that persisted, is presented in an accessible, meaningful way. The book wraps children in the lived experience then and now. Digitally rendered illustrations shine with the love and pride of the book's message, honoring history while also empowering young brown children to seek a dazzling future. VERDICT This title powerfully places history in a light that honors the past, challenges the way history is taught, and looks forward. Inspirational.—John Scott - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2022 What do I see when I look at me? asks the daughter of the narrator in Theodore's picture book addressing pride and identity among brown children in mostly white environments. Tackling an issue that isn't easily talked about, the book opens a way toward meaningful conversations about race and how children view themselves when others around them are learning about a difficult history, including slavery and the fight for civil rights. The author/narrator confronts her mixed feelings of shame for being different from her classmates, along with pride in her ancestors. She comforts her daughter with positive thoughts and subsequently comforts readers, too. Bright backgrounds highlight the warm, earth-colored skin of the girls and women representing Theodore, her daughter, and their ancestors. Robinson opts for clean lines and simplified settings, allowing the people portrayed to clearly stand out as individuals who study, learn, and finally celebrate the freedom to be anything they want to be. An uplifting pep talk of a book, especially of interest for children of color who might find themselves in settings where they are in the minority. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.