Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 12/02/2024 Hall (the Jordan Manning series, for adults) makes her picture book debut with a heartwarming tribute to a beloved N.Y.C. neighborhood. Young Moses feels homesick for Texas, "where he knew everybody, and everybody knew him." Now, a month into living in his new Harlem home, city noise replaces the soothing sounds of nature, and only Mom’s silly rhymes can make him smile. When a bee’s arrival through the open window leads Moses to meet neighbors Mrs. Louise and Laila, who have a rooftop honey farm, Moses joins them in delivering honey to Harlem landmarks. With animal friends in tow, they visit Sylvia’s soul food restaurant, the Apollo Theater, and more. Vibrant, colorblock-leaning illustrations by Glenn (Bella Ballerina) capture the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere through rich, warm colors and dynamic scenes. By day’s end, the child loves his new community ("Moses could hear hip-hop music.... And on each street corner they crossed, he caught whiffs of mouth-watering foods"), even telling his mother, "Harlem is like magic." The children are portrayed with brown skin; background characters are shown with various skin tones. More about Harlem concludes. Ages 4-8. Illustrator’s agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Agency. (Mar.) - Copyright 2024

School Library Journal - 12/13/2024 PreS-Gr 3—This book is a heartwarming tale that beautifully blends family, community, and the discovery of home. Inspired by her son, Hall introduces readers to young Moses, a Texas boy adjusting to life in Harlem. With the loyal, trusty companions of his dog Lotus-May and his bird Jojo, he is initially feeling lonely in this bustling, unfamiliar city. Everything changes when his neighbor Laila invites him to deliver jars of honey to residents. This small act of kindness transforms into an adventure, leading Moses to iconic Harlem landmarks, such as the Apollo Theater, Sylvia's Restaurant, and the Studio Museum. Through spirited writing and Glenn's magnificent illustrations bursting with warm hues, this book captures neighborhood sights, sounds, and welcoming faces as Moses discovers Harlem's magic and vibrancy. He begins to understand the true meaning of home. The pages have bright cityscapes, the historic Apollo marquee glowing under a night sky, and lively streets filled with music, laughter, and community. VERDICT This book celebrates culture, connection, and the universal journey of finding where one belongs. It is an inspiring, enjoyable story that will resonate long after the last page.—Susan McClellan - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.