Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/15/2023 *Starred Review* At last, a material known to every crafter for its almost-supernatural tendency to spread everywhere gets its due. Barton opens by explaining what “iridescence” is, speculating about its visual attractiveness and pointing out the places it can be observed in nature, from feathers and mica to the elytra of beetles. He details early examples of its use in art and decoration before offering a history of its modern manufacture (initially known as mineral “flitter,” then “slivers” of plastic before companies like Glitterex gave it its current name) and some of the many uses to which it has been put, including cupcakes and mixtures with Ash Wednesday ashes to “signal the welcoming of LGBTQ+ worshippers.” Its downsides are also noted, such as the use of child labor to mine mica and the fact that the bulk of it is by definition a microplastic and contributes substantially to pollution. Closing with references to efforts to create biodegradable and sustainably produced alternative glitters, he urges readers to “shimmer more thoughtfully” and rounds up sources and resources for further enlightenment. Visual sparkle is added by Prabhat’s painted images of a racially diverse cast of mostly children investigating or celebrating their glittery world amid showers of brightly hued dots. A shining example of a seeming niche filler that turns out to have significant relevance for an astonishing range of issues and interests. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.