Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/01/2021 Elijah Cummings, civil rights activist and man of faith, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and the first African American legislator to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol, started out as the son of former sharecroppers and was told he would never learn to read or write. This stirring offering from Newbery medalist and Caldecott Honor Book author Weatherford emphasizes how Cummings always followed his dreams. Multiple anecdotes highlight how Cummings continually fought to improve conditions for his constituents and how he was fixated on creating a better future. The nuanced, page-filling illustrations include supporting details and perfectly capture the uplifting tone, deftly integrating quotes from Cummings and other luminaries. Additional matter includes excerpts from eulogies delivered by Nancy Pelosi and from the Congressional Black Caucus, a time line, and a bibliography of mostly adult-level newspaper and media sources. There’s a tremendous amount of information packed into this eye-catching, attractive picture-book biography. Young readers will also find inspiration and discover a great role model. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/01/2021 Gr 2–4—Beginning with remarks from Nancy Pelosi, this picture book biography combines Freeman's expressive artwork with Weatherford's illuminating text to focus on the highlights of Cummings's life and career. Each spread includes a quotation from the Congressman that supports the text and gives readers insights into his personal life and those who influenced him. The narrative and illustrations work together to communicate Cummings's commitment to his faith, public service, and civil rights. His parents left South Carolina in the 1940s and settled in Maryland, where they raised seven children in a four-room house. Because it was too crowded to study, Cummings went to the public library after school, where the librarians would stay after work to tutor him. His grades went up, and he went on to become an attorney, congressman, and civil rights leader. This is an impressive, inspiring story of a battle well-fought and a life well-lived. The book concludes with a time line, bibliography, and quote sources. VERDICT Recommended first purchase.—Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Lib., SC - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.