Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2020 In this inaugural installment of First Second’s History Comics series (released simultaneously with an installment about the Roanoke colony), readers are plunged into 1871 Chicago. Through the fictionalized viewpoints of two siblings, the story follows the pair as they search the burning city for their parents. Hannigan includes lots of interesting facts throughout the narrative and tells the story of the fire in an understandable way. Readers will be engaged in the story of the children, all the while learning about how the fire started, why it was so powerful, and the racist ideology and xenophobia that led people to blame the fire on an Irish immigrant who was later exonerated. Graudins' bright, evocative illustrations neatly fit together with the text and bring the ferociousness of the fire amid vignettes sprinkled throughout that add context to local and national decisions. Supplemental material included at the beginning and end gives greater explanations and opportunities for further learning. Vibrant artwork and an engaging story make this a great vehicle for a poignant glimpse at American history. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.