Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 Gr 1–4—This engaging picture book biography tells the amazing story of a 100-year-old marathoner named Fauja Singh. Born in India, Singh could not walk until his fifth birthday and endured many other challenges in his long life. When people doubted him, he kept going. The book uses that determination, along with his mother's unfailing encouragement, as the theme for his achievements. He grew into a healthy and active adult, with a family and a farm. A move to England at age 81 led to his emergence as a runner and his eventual record-setting accomplishments. The book's language is appropriately inspirational, but also highlights the setbacks that Singh faced involving injuries, self-doubt, and racism. Slightly awkward wording disrupts the narrative flow a couple of times, but Singh's story is unique and engaging, especially during the second half. Softly rendered illustrations effectively depict the various parts of the runner's life; expressive faces and figures deftly convey movement and emotions. Recurring images of kites and birds reflect his indomitable spirit. Details of food, clothing, and hairstyles add spiritual and cultural context. VERDICT A fine addition to picture book biography collections, with an inspirational message and strong cultural content.—Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville P.L., OR - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2020 Fauja Singh is the oldest living person to run a marathon, becoming the first 100-year-old to run 26.2 miles. As a child in Punjab, sitting under banyan trees, eating daal and roti, he was so weak that his family thought he might never walk—and he didn't for many years. But Fauja did not listen to the taunts from other children, and he did not stop trying. By the time he turned 15, he could walk a whole mile, and he took up running in his 80s, running the London marathon six times with his turban and beard and a big smile. This is a powerful and utterly unique biography about a modern hero of great character and perseverance through disability, adversity, bigotry, and personal loss. With wonderfully multicultural illustrations that include hidden gems of tiny photographs, this is an honest and hopeful portrayal of a Sikh man with great moral fortitude who has never stopped pushing his limits. Bonus materials include a foreword by the subject and back matter with his impressive world records. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.