Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/30/2022 PreS-Gr 3—Lyrical text tells of the Universe as she creates a Black child out of the earth, lovingly shaping each feature, swaddling the child in gold, crowning the child with roses, breathing her divine power into the new life. The Sun and the Moon share their light and wisdom and the Universe her love. The fully formed child is advised to take pride in sharing these exalted origins with the world. The mixed media art uses rich, saturated colors and striking imagery to embody the depth of an infinite cosmos, bringing the text to life. Black children will find a positive and powerful affirmation of their intrinsic and irrefutable worth. VERDICT Stunning illustrations elevate this empowering creation myth.—Alyssa Annico - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2022 Poetically written and wondrously illustrated, Obuobi and Ladd’s picture book offers Black children a cosmic origin story filled with beauty and strength. Using the elegance in everyday nature to explain concepts related to hair, skin color, body image, and understanding, this story shows a Black child being formed and given life by the Universe (an ethereal woman made of stars), filled with light by the Sun, and bestowed with wisdom by the Moon before being passed into the arms of a loving mother. The illustrations can only be described as magical, blending elements of fantasy with nature and starscapes. Ladd creates unique layered effects through his combination of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, and the deep purples and blues sparkle with flecks of gold-shining light. While geared toward Black children, this book holds universal appeal in the way it intimately connects children to the larger world, and its empowering message will strike a chord with any child who feels different from other kids or is grappling with self-esteem. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.