Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/15/2021 Given the sharp partisan divide in this country, not everyone will welcome this glowing biography of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Those who are open to it, though, will be rewarded by a text that emphasizes empowerment and American values. The book discusses Pelosi's political family background, her Italian American and Catholic heritage, and her groundbreaking achievements as a political leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. The text does not shy away from specific issues but treats them gently. For example, Weatherford notes Pelosi's involvement with the AIDS Quilt, praises her work with President Obama to extend . . . medical care to millions more Americans, and shows her passion for combating childhood poverty. Brief quotations from Pelosi bring the speaker to life. Hsu's illustrations capture both Pelosi's history and her signature looks with an appealing blend of realism and imagination. A final time line allows readers to briefly review Pelosi's life and career. This book will inspire young readers through its positive portrayal of American politics and of Pelosi as a strong woman leader. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 10/01/2021 Gr 1–4—As a child, Nancy Pelosi stuffed envelopes, handed out leaflets, and held the Bible as her father, Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro of Baltimore, was sworn into office. Additional childhood details are offered, including Pelosi's Catholic upbringing and education, as well as her political work while raising a family, her election to Congress, and 20 years later, her rise to become the first female Speaker of the House. Pelosi's advocacy and fight on behalf of children in poverty, gay rights, women, and the children of undocumented immigrants are all mentioned, as well as her work on the Affordable Care Act. Her determination and tenacity as a woman devoted to public service shine through, supported by abundant, relevant pull-quotes—one on nearly every spread. The book ends in 2018 with Pelosi taking the oath of Speaker of the House for the second time, and, surrounded by children, calling Congress to order. Hsu's stylized figures and use of color and detail add energy and a bit of humor (e.g., Pelosi dancing to rock 'n' roll as a teen). This work complements Elisa Boxer's A Seat at the Table, a biography that emphasizes Pelosi's struggle as a woman in politics, with fewer specifics on the causes Pelosi has championed. There is nary a mention of her equally powerful political detractors holding seats in Washington. VERDICT An engaging introduction to the most powerful woman in current American politics.—Daryl Grabarek, formerly at School Library Journal - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.