Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 04/21/2025 Architect I.M. Pei (1917-2019) believed that "success is a collection of problems solved," and designing the Louvre’s now-iconic glass pyramid entrance put that philosophy to the ultimate test. In spare, rhythmic prose and digital illustrations that combine architectural elements with vector-like precision, Walker Harvey and Le weave together Pei’s biography and the pyramid’s creation story. When approaching the project-designed to solve a serious number of visitor flow issues-Pei understands that a purely utilitarian solution won’t suffice. The architect finds inspiration in the rock gardens of his family’s retreat in China as well as the geometric Gardens of Versailles, but the pyramid’s design proves only half the challenge. Pei also faces fierce opposition that he approaches via patience and a partnership with Paris’s mayor, a tack that shows how enduring solutions often emerge from a confluence of expertise, imagination, and persuasion. Back matter offers more context. Ages 4-8. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 05/02/2025 Gr 2–5—The author of poetic picture book biographies on artists, such as Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, about another Asian American architect of a well-known monument, turns to Chinese American I.M. Pei for her latest work. Pei was already an acclaimed architect when he was tapped by the president of France to redesign the Louvre, home of the famous Mona Lisa. The text focuses on his creative process and how he was inspired by the bamboo trees and rocky retreats of his native country and the majestic pyramids of Egypt. The narrative is both lyrical and economical, every word carefully chosen. The digital illustrations are done in mostly neutral tones of browns, grays, and blues with pops of yellow and red. They sometimes feel staid and cold, but the clean lines are reminiscent of the beloved building and pair well with the text. An author's note includes a short description on what architects do; a brief biography of Pei; and the different STEM connections that can be made to details in the narrative, such as how a historic French glass company had to develop a way to manufacture a special glass for the beloved structure. The selected sources list and online videos offer additional research opportunities for students, but the most recent source is almost 15 years old. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries looking for more picture book biographies about groundbreaking Asian American artists. Julie Leung's Mr. Pei's Perfect Shapes might be a more successful option.—Shelley Diaz - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.