Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 2–4—Langston is excited to learn his hero, Muhammad Ali, is visiting his neighborhood. He loves Ali, not only for his athleticism but for his poetry. In fact, he imitates it on the playground: "I'm smart as a fox and as fast as a hound. I can sneak up on you without making a sound." Langston prepares to see Ali by getting his hair shaped to look just like the champ's; there's a hurdle, but his hero steps in and saves the day. Langston feels inspired by the meeting and creates a new verse to share. The poetry uses a different font, bursting forth from Ali's and Langston's mouths with a pow. The illustrations in colored pencil and acrylic vibrate with energy. The people and neighborhood are shown in detail and convey everyone's personality. An author's note explains why Ali appealed to Asim, and that Langston's experience was based on how his own mother met the champ. If the prose narration falls flat in a spot or two, when it resorts to verse it soars. VERDICT A delightful story about meeting one's hero and feeling empowered by it, this heartwarming book is a strong first purchase and is bound to be a story hour hit.—Tamara Saarinen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2022 Young Langston greatly admires prizefighter Muhammad Ali, so when a flyer appears in his neighborhood announcing Ali's upcoming appearance, Langston determines to go. When the big day arrives, Langston stops by the local barbershop to have his afro trimmed to look just like his hero's. Later, he and his mother are turned away from the event by security (the appearance is only intended for those who attend that school), until a chance encounter with Ali reverses the guard's decision. Asim's vivid prose captures the spirit and enthusiasm associated with the charismatic Ali, and local setting details, including the Wall of Respect mural and the local barbershop, are evocatively described. The text also incorporates several original rhymes composed in Ali's style. Ford's vibrant illustrations, rendered in acrylic and colored pencil, feature rich hues filled with many setting details. Several spreads also highlight Ali's athleticism and agility, expressed in multicolored zigzags, starbursts, and exclamations. An author's note explains the many reasons Ali was revered and describes the 1975 incident that inspired this story. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.