Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 11/11/2024 In this sensitively rendered biography of Maya Angelou (1928-2014), the Roops describe how, early in life, "Words whirled and stories spun in Maya’s head and off her lips." After she experiences an attack at age eight, however, Angelou stops speaking to all but her brother Bailey, fearing that she’s to blame for her attacker’s death. Years later, Beulah Flowers, a customer at her mother’s store, loans the child some books and invites her to read them aloud, an act that offers Angelou "the key to unlock her voice, now finally free to rise up and inspire the world." Denmon’s gossamer drawings of formerly caged birds foretell the figure’s literary journey, leading to a fanciful spread in which Angelou flies, floats, and glides along a sun-drenched tableau of words read from A Tale of Two Cities. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) - Copyright 2024

School Library Journal - 02/28/2025 Gr 2–5—This gorgeous picture book biography tells the story of Maya Angelou's childhood growing up in Stamps, AR. Opening with the famous author's love of words, poetry, and rhyme, the Roops carefully handle Angelou's assault in an accessible way for young readers; that assault, as is widely known, led to "her decision to be mute." The book centers Angelou's relationship with her respected neighbor, Beaulah Flowers, who helped her find her voice again by reading A Tale of Two Cities together. Denmon's digitally rendered artwork is awash in greens, yellows, and soft brown hues. The graphic design cast of Angelou's words and the soft yet powerful imagery in the illustrations truly elevate the text. VERDICT A perfect pairing for classes that teach I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or other works by Angelou, this picture book will also be at home in a read-aloud or elementary setting. Recommended purchase for all libraries.—Monisha Blair - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.