Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 10/01/2023 *Starred Review* Popular author Stone has done a heroic job of restructuring Kendi’s best-selling adult book for young readers, deleting some chapters and reordering those surviving. But, more importantly, she becomes the narrator of Kendi’s material, often addressing him directly (e.g., “Yes, okay, you want to get on with your story . . .”). Never modest, the witty Stone calls herself “the fabulous narrator of your (nonlinear) life’s journey to antiracism.” As that narrator, she has divided Kendi’s story into three parts: “INSIDE: Facing Yourself,” “OUTSIDE: Facing the World,” and “UPSIDE DOWN: Flipping the World Over.” Evidencing the book’s challenging complexity, Stone begins it with a veritable smorgasbord of definitions that set the stage for the material to follow. Closely reasoned and intellectually sophisticated, the ensuing book demands readers’ careful attention for comprehension. Assisting that process, important terms are highlighted throughout. Also helpful are “Nic’s Notes,” which—presented in the form of sticky notes—comment on the accompanying text; for instance, “pause to listen, investigate and reflect.” This important book is sure to inspire in those who do listen, investigate, and reflect on “that dastardly villain racism,” much welcome discussion and debate both in and out of the classroom. It’s essential reading. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.