Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/15/2023 *Starred Review* The 1963 March on Washington and Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech would never have happened if not for Bayard Rustin, the individual behind the conception, organization, and management of the event. Using straightforward prose, this engaging biography effectively describes how “troublemaker” Rustin, inspired by another troublemaker named Mohandas Gandhi, successfully organized peaceful protests against war, nuclear weapons, segregated schools, and housing and employment discrimination. He feared that his largest undertaking—his envisioned March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom—might get derailed due not just to political resistance but also to personal attacks because he was gay. Other Black leaders, including King and John Lewis, supported Rustin, and the text details Rustin’s extensive preparations: volunteers, advertising, travel arrangements, first-aid stations, free lunches, portable toilets, and education about nonviolent protest. The colorful, expressive illustrations align perfectly with the text and help convey the enormity of the 250,000-plus crowd that assembled that day. Back matter includes recommended reading and an author’s note (Rustin and about 500 others meticulously cleaned up the entire parade route afterward to deter any accusations of disorder). This standard-length picture book thoughtfully addresses basic human rights and introduces young readers to an important behind-the-scenes hero. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/24/2023 Gr 2–5—A picture book biography about Bayard Rustin, a Black peace and civil rights activist who helped plan the March on Washington. While providing a lot of historical context and information, the narrative elements are not as strong as some other picture book biographies. The illustrations are notable; realistic enough for historical figures to be recognizable with a stylized charm. The color palette is both retro and bright, giving the work a particular sense of place. Black subjects are beautifully illustrated across a variety of ages, weights, and skin tones. The book was based, in part, on interviews with Bayard's partner Walter Naegle and shows some of the difficulties he faced as a Black, gay pacifist in the mid-20th century. Bayard is called a "troublemaker" in a positive way, and the book explores how being disruptive and loud can be heroic, especially in the context of pacifism and nonviolence. It also includes themes of background work, like organizing and cleanup, being just as important to success as more visible and celebrated roles. VERDICT A strong choice for nonfiction collections serving older elementary students.—Shelby Hogle - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.