Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/01/2018 Citizenship is a hotly contested issue around the globe, with worldwide events, and sometimes crises, involving refugees hoping for relocation and maybe even future citizenship. It may be hard for young children to grasp at times the abstract concept of citizenry, but Eggers, recently of Her Right Foot (2017), gives it a go, focusing on commonalities in gentle rhymes: “A citizen can help a neighbor. A citizen can join a cause. A citizen can write a letter. A citizen can help change laws.” Through simple words placed upon two-page spreads, Eggers displays how citizens, even young ones (and even a bear!), can contribute to society. Readers will be delighted by Harris’ inclusive collages, which vibrantly depict a world of different types of citizens.? Like Her Right Foot, this is also a book that adults will take something away from, especially in the midst of our current divisive politics. Regardless of age, Eggers’ main message should hit home: “a citizen cannot forget the world is more than you.” - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 08/01/2018 PreS-Gr 3—The creators of Her Right Foot offer a kid-accessible picture book primer on civics. Taking a broadly stroked allegorical approach, the duo employs rhyming verses and dynamic artwork to describe how a group of children come together to build their own community. A youngster wearing a head scarf and another sporting a blue baseball cap and flouncy gold skirt leave behind a distant cityscape and travel to a small island with a single tree (or is it really a backyard?). Much of the story line is presented through the detailed cut-paper illustrations. For example, when one child posts a "No trumpets" sign, three newcomers successfully plead their trumpet-supporting viewpoint ("A citizen can join a cause. A citizen can write a letter. A citizen can help change laws"). Everyone is welcome and the kids work together to build something wonderful (a fantastical tree house complete with domes, spires, and roller-coaster). Ultimately, a new-in-town boy who has been watching (and sketching) the action all along is invited to make his contribution (eye-dazzling strings of lights). Throughout, the visuals sparkle with wit and whimsy, celebrating imagination while also creating a foundation for the empowering text: "So forget yourself a second. Grab a shovel or a pen. Do something for another. Don't you dare doubt that you can!" VERDICT Blending an appreciation for a child's perspective with a powerful message, this must-have book distills the fundamentals of citizenship into easy-to-digest concepts and emphasizes the importance of caring for others, accepting differences, and taking action to initiate positive change.—Joy Fleishhacker, Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.