Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/11/2022 Gr 2–5—Harriet Lawrence Hemenway was an early environmentalist who cofounded the Massachusetts Audubon Society with Minna B. Hall. As a Boston socialite, Hemenway and her friends often wore beautiful hats adorned with bird feathers. Once made aware of the harm these fashion choices perpetuated, Hemenway began her activist movement to rid feathers from fashion. Her efforts were the inaugural steps of the first Audubon Society, and her lifelong dedication encouraged others to follow in her conservationist path. Lively text pairs perfectly with the dreamy, soft quality of the watercolor illustrations. This book not only tells Hemenway's story, but with extensive and engaging back matter, also encourages readers to stand up for issues they believe in. It includes information about the National Audubon Society, bird watching tips, resources for becoming a conservationist, and a detailed bibliography. VERDICT A thoughtful biography, with an encouraging message to budding activists, this picture book will be a welcome addition to any library collection.—Katherine Forsman - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2022 Harriet had “a great big ostrich of a problem.” Ladies in the late 1800s wore spectacular hats festooned with massive bird feathers. Harriet loved her hats, but when she and her friend Minna discovered that more than 5 million birds were killed every year for fashion, they were determined to stop the slaughter. They convinced 900 Boston women to boycott the wearing of feathered hats. With the help of influential people, they formed the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and by 1898, even President Teddy Roosevelt was on board. Today, this national organization has helped create conservation legislation that protects habitats for wildlife and important ecosystems. The writing in this fictionalized biography, sprinkled with bird metaphors, sparkles: “Minna kept chirping until she was ninety-two,” while Harriet “twittered all the way to her one hundred and third birthday.” Pastel watercolors depict ladies in fashionable hats and dresses, the glorious plumage of many birds, and realistic natural environments. Back matter gives information about the Audubon Society, provides instructions for making pretend binoculars, and encourages children to become citizen conservation scientists and environmentalists. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.