Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 2–4—Kendi admirably adapts Hurston's short story for younger readers, simplifying it to a sweet story of enduring love. The wise River tells the playful Brook the story of Magnolia Flower, a spirited young girl born to parents who escaped slavery and the Trail of Tears. When Magnolia Flower falls in love with the poor poet John, her father forbids the love match and Magnolia Flower is required to take matters into her own hands. A historical note offers details on the Maroon communities as portrayed in the story. In an author's note, Kendi discusses his love for Hurston's work and his wish to share it with his daughter. He creates an accessible story employing much of the original wording, but this is still best shared one-on-one in order for younger readers to grasp the meanings and imagery of the lyrical prose. Digital illustrations are a real complement to the story, creating a lush landscape filled with beautifully drawn flora. Bright pinks, yellows, and aqua blues fill each page and are a perfect accompaniment for lyrical text. VERDICT While this is a nice introduction to Hurston's work, many readers will be first drawn to the vibrant illustrations.—V. Lynn Christiansen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 2–4—Kendi admirably adapts Hurston's short story for younger readers, simplifying it to a sweet story of enduring love. The wise River tells the playful Brook the story of Magnolia Flower, a spirited young girl born to parents who escaped slavery and the Trail of Tears. When Magnolia Flower falls in love with the poor poet John, her father forbids the love match and Magnolia Flower is required to take matters into her own hands. A historical note offers details on the Maroon communities as portrayed in the story. In an author's note, Kendi discusses his love for Hurston's work and his wish to share it with his daughter. He creates an accessible story employing much of the original wording, but this is still best shared one-on-one in order for younger readers to grasp the meanings and imagery of the lyrical prose. Digital illustrations are a real complement to the story, creating a lush landscape filled with beautifully drawn flora. Bright pinks, yellows, and aqua blues fill each page and are a perfect accompaniment for lyrical text. VERDICT While this is a nice introduction to Hurston's work, many readers will be first drawn to the vibrant illustrations.—V. Lynn Christiansen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 2–4—Kendi admirably adapts Hurston's short story for younger readers, simplifying it to a sweet story of enduring love. The wise River tells the playful Brook the story of Magnolia Flower, a spirited young girl born to parents who escaped slavery and the Trail of Tears. When Magnolia Flower falls in love with the poor poet John, her father forbids the love match and Magnolia Flower is required to take matters into her own hands. A historical note offers details on the Maroon communities as portrayed in the story. In an author's note, Kendi discusses his love for Hurston's work and his wish to share it with his daughter. He creates an accessible story employing much of the original wording, but this is still best shared one-on-one in order for younger readers to grasp the meanings and imagery of the lyrical prose. Digital illustrations are a real complement to the story, creating a lush landscape filled with beautifully drawn flora. Bright pinks, yellows, and aqua blues fill each page and are a perfect accompaniment for lyrical text. VERDICT While this is a nice introduction to Hurston's work, many readers will be first drawn to the vibrant illustrations.—V. Lynn Christiansen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/15/2022 Dancing Brook begs mighty River to tell a story of humans in love, and it obliges. Long ago an enslaved man (Bentley) fled captivity for Florida, where he built a grand house, married a Cherokee woman (Swift Deer), and welcomed a daughter (Magnolia Flower). Later Sun and River bore a young man (John) with whom Magnolia Flower fell in love. Although Swift Deer approved of the match, Bentley did not, and so the young couple fled by way of River to live in freedom. Nearly 50 years later, the pair returns, delighted to be welcomed back by three leaning trees and River. Kendi’s adaptation of Hurston’s 1925 short story maintains much of the original’s flavor and phrasing, minus the specific details of Bentley’s mistreatment of Swift Deer and John. Wise’s digital artwork resembles a collage, with multiple layers skillfully worked into each spread. Hues of green and blue predominate in these swampy environs, with the pink and yellow magnolia flowers serving as accents. This makes a pleasing introduction to Hurston’s oeuvre. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.