Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2022 Gr 6–8—This series celebrates Black culture and achievements while also exploring racism in the U.S. Starting with the table of contents, there are four to five chapters per book title of varying lengths. Each title gives the history, who was involved, achievements and firsts in the area of focus, and what the field looks like today. This series has pages that are brightly colorblocked making the text easy to read with vocabulary words in a different color. A cloud bubble with a raised hand further explains a fact more in depth, connecting it to today, such as the importance of mail during the 2020 election (6888th Battalion and Military Achievement). Smaller photos are used and correspond with the text, which is clear and honest about the racism faced by Black Americans. The last section of every title has a journaling activity called "Making Your Way Out of No Way" that encourages readers to write or draw what could and should happen in the future. The final page includes more reading from fiction and nonfiction books, a glossary, and an index. VERDICT A comprehensive series for readers learning about the great achievements of Black Americans. - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2022 Books in the Racial Justice in America: Excellence and Achievement series (6 titles) provide quick introductions to varied aspects of Black history and culture. Most of the colorful double-page spreads feature a well-chosen photo illustrating the text on the opposite page. After introducing the roots of education for Black people in nineteenth-century America, Historically Black Colleges and Universities examines the founding of such institutions and their ongoing role in higher education while also presenting a few famous alumni. Though no sources appear in the back matter and middle-school students may need fuller, more informative accounts for research projects, the slender volumes in this visually appealing series provide useful, brief overviews of their respective subjects. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.