Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 03/10/2025 "Some of us are born American. Some choose," begins Newbery Honoree LaRocca in this elegantly limned work about U.S. citizenship. An initial section examines how and why people might seek to arrive in the country, from any place and at any age, leaving behind "loved ones, important jobs, beloved places," and sometimes fleeing "war, oppression, poverty." Throughout, a collective we references how "we bring with us our languages, our cuisines, our customs, clothing, music, stories, histories," and "add to the rich tapestry of our new home." A second section reviews the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, emphasizing that the oath is "not to the president, not to Congress," but to "freedom, justice, peace, equality." Using a red, white, and blue palette, Lee’s digital imagery emphasizes lively group scenes, including of a city community, a public-school polling place, and a crowd gathered to watch fireworks. Underlining the responsibilities and rights of citizens, it’s an affirming reminder that "we all deserve safety, respect, opportunity." Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note, "Rights of all Peoples" guide, and bibliography conclude. Ages 5-9. Author’s agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US. Illustrator’s agent: Claire Morance, Painted Word. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/18/2025 K-Gr 4—Poignant text marries nuanced illustration to gracefully introduce young readers to immigration, naturalization, and citizenship. "Some of us are born American. Some choose" is a fitting opening for a book that highlights the beauty of diversity. Two illustrations cleverly juxtapose those who are born in the U.S. with those who choose citizenship by being nearly interchangeable: each group boasts soft shades of red, white and blue, subtly evoking the American flag, and both are filled with people of all ages, skin, and hair colors. Every subsequent page balances white space, a gentle palette, and clear, simple text to highlight first the myriad reasons that people might leave their families behind or undergo a dangerous journey, and then to point out the many gifts they bring: "we bring with us our languages, our cuisines, our customs, clothing, music, stories, histories. We bring hard work and determination, intelligence and skill, optimism, joy." American symbols and the repetition of red, white, and blue underscore that immigrants take an oath to the ideals of this country: "freedom, justice, peace, equality." An author's note, explanation of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and a brief bibliography complete the picture. VERDICT Informational, inspirational, and celebratory, this picture book belongs on the shelf of every library and demands to be read again and again.—Rebecca Kirshenbaum - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.