Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/27/2022 Gr 3–6—This engaging book's front matter asks a simple, yet powerful, question. What might happen if a group of children from all around the world joined together to share details about their lives? From this jumping-off point, Hughes explores the similarities and differences among children from a wide array of cultures through the lens of nine categories with universal appeal and applicability: first words, family, home, school, favorite foods, chores and responsibilities, community service, play, and dreams for the future. In her appealing, warm-toned spreads, Casson elucidates key concepts through imaginative composition. In one image, the fabric of a Bangladeshi girl's garment stretches out to depict a river during the rainy season; in another, an Ecuadorian boy's school experience is shown in miniature underneath the bench of his shoeshine business. VERDICT This thoughtful volume will appeal to older readers seeking a snapshot of childhood across the globe.—Jonah Dragan - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2022 While acknowledging differences among the lives of children around the world, Hughes emphasizes their similarities. Citing nine basic needs (communication, love and protection, shelter, education, food, families, community, play, and dreams of the future), she offers examples from many countries and cultures. Addressing language and communication, for example, she spotlights a multiracial American child’s first words in English, Spanish, and Navajo; a Ugandan boy’s fluency in Ugandan Sign Language and English; a Colombian tot speaking Spanish; a New Caledonian, qui parle français; an Arabic-speaking Egyptian; a Malaysian child conversing in Mandarin, English, and Malay; and a Canadian girl, who uses English and Ojibwe. Topics are presented in language that highlights the great variety in cultural behaviors around the world. Casson’s illustrations feature deeply saturated hues, stylized shapes, interesting textures, and expressive facial features. Her art realistically and respectfully depicts such details as stilt houses in Thailand, a girls-only school in Saudi Arabia, and the process of pounding plantains to make fufu in Ghana. Appended with sources and further reading, this is an uplifting look at childhood around the world. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.