Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/15/2017 Most young people recognize Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, but few could actually explain the specifics of King’s dream and how it applies to them. This book for emergent readers pares his message down to its most understandable form. The advice is simple: be honest, keep learning, act on your individual conscience. This advice is offered in plain terms and is written on pages filled with Ransome’s colorful illustrations, which alternate between scenes in a modern classroom of children of all races, creeds, and exceptionalities, and scenes from King’s own life. His first taste of bigotry as a child is illustrated, as are some of his greatest achievements, such as enrolling in Morehouse College at the age of 15, delivering his message on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and organizing nonviolent protests in Selma. By applying a repetitive and straightforward prose, the book manages to make essential lessons in civic responsibility accessible to the very young reader. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/01/2017 K-Gr 3—In this book inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Weatherford and Ransome offer advice to a new generation of change-makers. In each spread, Weatherford repeats the refrain "You can be a King" and encourages young readers to continue Dr. King's work by taking such actions as getting a good education, standing up to bullies, believing in important causes, doing one's best, having a dream, and helping others. Each piece of advice alludes to Dr. King's life, and in some cases, recalls his speeches and writing. Ransome's art, rendered in acrylics, colored pencils, oils, and gouache, adds depth to the deceptively simple text. The illustrations alternate between full spreads depicting important events from Dr. King's life and the civil rights movement and a contemporary classroom in white space, in which a diverse group of children paint a mural of Dr. King and prepare their own march for social justice. There is a shift in the style of the art here as well; the historical scenes maintain a serious tone, while the contemporary scenes evoke a more childlike quality. An author's note provides a brief biography of Dr. King and also offers insight into both Weatherford's text as well as many of the historical moments captured in Ransome's illustrations. As such, while the book is accessible as an inspiring primer on social justice and taking action, it also challenges more sophisticated readers to make connections between the art, the text, Dr. King's life, the civil rights movement at large, and the continuing struggle to affect change. VERDICT A first purchase, this book is sure to spark discussion and empower readers of all ages.—Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.