Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 12/15/2019 Opposites attract—and can even achieve great things together. That’s the underlying message of Marsh’s account of John Hancock and Samuel Adams. One was a rich, handsome dandy, while the other was portly and, if not poor, at least scrabbling. But in prerevolutionary Boston, the two shared similar viewpoints, and Adams used the opportunity to woo Hancock, whose celebrity helped draw other colonists to rebel opinions. Fotheringham’s illustrations are cartoonlike, featuring caricatures that emphasize Hancock’s coiffed blond hair and Adams’ unruly eyebrows and rumpled coat. Together, the prose and pictures highlight the story of two friends who dared defy a powerful nation they believed was mistreating the American colonists, taking readers from the Boston Tea Party, through the fights at Lexington and Concord, and onward to the Continental Congress, where Hancock’s signature would dominate the Declaration of Independence. Back matter provides answers to questions not dealt with in the narrative, along with a bibliography, time line, and more for young history buffs. Hand this to fans of the Who Was? series. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 Gr 3–5—John Hancock and Samuel Adams were a dubious duo that helped set in motion the events that led to the American Revolution. The two men were opposites in many ways but became united in their fight against British tyranny. Marsh covers the pair's incendiary tactics over the span of 10 years, beginning with their response to Britain's oppressive stamp tax and ending with their escape to the Continental Congress, flanked by militiamen and marching bands. The ample back matter includes an author's note, a time line, a bibliography, and source notes (for chosen quotations only). Fotheringham's wonderful illustrations are elegantly sketched cartoons that play with size. One would hardly even need to read the text to understand what is going on, as pivotal moments in the patriots' lives are showcased clearly. In one scene, Hancock speaks of how he won't "be a slave." Fotheringham depicts the hypocrisy of this statement in an illustration that depicts a slave's derision while serving Hancock. Marsh's account of events is historically accurate, but this book may not be appropriate for school reports due to its picture book format and sources for quotes only. While this book shines a light on the partnership of Adams and Hancock, it's a hard sell to patrons who are looking for either a story or more substantial content. VERDICT A secondary purchase. Only for readers looking to know more about the partnership of Hancock and Adams.—Kerri Williams, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.