Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2021 This collection of nonfiction poems addresses the dangers of plastic pollution. Each entry identifies a cause, consequence, or solution, and offers a couplet, limerick, or other bit of poetry along with a brief factual paragraph and quote. Many poems highlight kids who have spearheaded initiatives, such as one girl who collected bottle caps to create a buddy bench for her school, students in Guatemala who turn discarded plastic bottles into construction ecoblocks, or a boy who launched a Save the Frogs! campaign. The poems flow effortlessly and effectively convey their important messages. The pages are filled with bright illustrations and eye-catching, engaging layouts. In addition to an author's note, time line, charts of top polluters, and alternatives to plastic products, the back matter includes resources for the subject of each poem, definitions of poetry formats, further reading recommendations, and research resources. Whether an ode to jellyfish or a collective poem about the fork that Jack threw away, this is a breezy way of introducing ecology concepts and starting important conversations. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/04/2021 Gr 2–5—This nonfiction picture book combines poetry and facts to increase awareness of plastic consumption around the world. Each two-page spread contains a poem and informational text on topics such as the consumption of plastic, how it is affecting the environment, steps to reduce the use of plastic, or the latest scientific discoveries to combat plastic waste. Most notable is the focus on children and teens who are making a difference by cutting back on the use of plastic or finding ways to recycle plastic to aid their communities. The digital illustrations are whimsical and enjoyable even though they don't really enhance the informational aspects of the text. Many children with different skin colors are also depicted in the illustrations. This would not be an ideal book for research, especially since there is no index. However, it is a fantastic resource for those who want to learn about the fight against plastic pollution. While the text may initially seem sparse on information, there are plenty of resources appended; a time line, a list of plastic alternatives, notes about the poetic styles used within the book, further reading, and websites and information for organizations working to reduce plastic usage are included. VERDICT A useful book to include in poetry or social awareness units, this is a thorough resource on plastic consumption.—V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elem. Sch., Raleigh, NC - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.