Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2023 Books in the Left Out of History series (6 titles) introduce topics from America’s past, while emphasizing the experiences, viewpoints, and contributions of those marginalized by others during the period. A typical double-page spread offers two or three short paragraphs of information accompanied by two photos, reproduced in color. Spray-painted page backgrounds and borders detract slightly from the text and the well-chosen illustrations. Describing Black Americans’ roles in planning and building the president’s home, White House discusses some of the enslaved workers involved in this construction project and acknowledges the contributions of others whose names are unknown. Published under Lerner’s Read Woke banner, these books will broaden library history collections by adding information and perspectives that more traditional volumes may have ignored. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2023 Gr 4–8—These titles take a famous event from history and highlight figures often overlooked in other accounts. Readers will learn about immigrants processed through Angel Island, enslaved people who helped build the White House, and how the Transcontinental Railroad affected Native peoples like the Cheyenne. The Thanksgiving title includes information about Tisquantum, while the Juneteenth book offers ideas on how to celebrate the holiday. Captioned images, time lines, a glossary, and source notes provide additional support for readers. All "Read Woke" books include a caution to think critically about the images, questions to help readers reflect on and connect to the information, and a suggested reading list. VERDICT A strong series that provides a fuller representation of historical events. - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.