Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/01/2019 Kids curious about the little neighborhood libraries that look a bit like oversized mailboxes or book-holding birdhouses will be interested to find out how they came to be and how a simple idea can gain traction. Meant to inspire, Paul’s story about Little Free Libraries is cloaked in superhero terms. While the word hero has become somewhat elastic, certainly Todd Bol had an extraordinary idea when he decided to memorialize his mom’s love of reading with a small but unique creation bringing books for sharing to local neighborhoods. The narrative focuses on several ways individuals grew the concept, and Parra’s illustrations are peopled with diverse communities enjoying books, from post–Hurricane Katrina New Orleans to a school in El Paso, a refugee camp in Uganda, and a hiking trail. Using lots of earthy colors, Parra depicts people with blocky torsos and emphasizes the square sturdiness of the libraries. The author’s note adds enriching opportunities for readers whose interest is piqued by the way somebody who seems ordinary can make a global impact. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2019 Gr 1–4—When he was young, Todd's mom, a teacher, shared her love and enthusiasm for books with him and the children in their neighborhood. When she died, adult Todd got an idea. "He cut up an old door and hammered the pieces together to make a tiny one-room schoolhouse. He stacked books inside…and placed the little library on his lawn. Now he could share his mother's love of reading with anyone who passed by." A neighborhood rummage sale was the spark that got his neighbors to notice the little library, and it became the center of the community. Todd told his friend Rick Brooks, and they worked together to bring their idea to life. Eventually, they planted 30 little libraries across the Midwest. The media spread the word, and Little Free Libraries sprouted all over the U.S. and other countries, including Ireland, Pakistan, South Korea, and South Sudan. An author's note provides more background information and celebrates the creators of these libraries. "Building materials have included an old TV set, a telephone booth, newspaper vending machines, a medicine cabinet, a mini-refrigerator, electronic waste, Lego bricks, and even a large block of ice!" VERDICT The childlike acrylic illustrations and engaging text make this title accessible to young readers, but the story will appeal to and inspire all ages to join the movement. An important book recognizing a true everyday hero.—Barbara Auerbach, Cairo Public Library, NY - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.