Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2021 Aptly titled, this anthology of previously published poems will be a comfort to teens coming-of-age—growing up comes with plenty of complicated feelings, and these poems are sure to resonate. Not only is this anthology full of strong poetry from the more than 60 contributors, but the pages are also loaded with gorgeous, full-color artwork. Whitney, a poet, author, and essayist, brings diversity to the forefront, with poems presenting a refreshingly inclusive array of perspectives, including from trans and nonbinary poets, and she encourages readers to take in the poems individually as needed. To emphasize this, the book is divided into sections according to various emotions, such as loneliness, longing, and rage. It covers a variety of topics and provides meditations for pretty much any situation a young woman, the primary audience, might find herself in. The transitions between each section are sweet and poignant, and the colorful, varied page design keeps the eyes moving. Though many of these poems might already be familiar to readers, the particular context of young womanhood will likely cast them in a new light. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2021 Gr 6 Up—This is a beautiful and thoughtful collection of reprinted poems by women for those on the cusp of adulthood. Organized by feeling, the works presented allow readers to connect with each poem differently depending on their emotion during the selection and reading. Illustrations by Cristina González, Kate Mockford, and Stephanie Singleton ebb and flow across and around the works in bold colors with strong images depicting bodies and nature which enhance and do not deter from the linguistic merit of the works selected. Poetic forms from sonnets to concrete in a multitude of voices reach out and dive in to the feminine perspective. The 68 featured poets include bestselling writers like Maya Angelou; Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate; and poets who became famous via Instagram, such as Kate Baer. Section introductions bring insight into the editor's thoughts and life experiences and add perspective to the selection and importance of the contained poems. While intended for young women, this collection should be introduced to anyone who wishes to expand their understanding of the female perspective. VERDICT A collection intentionally designed to promote growth, understanding, and self-awareness. Buy it for the young women in your life and share it with the young men.—Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford Coll., TX - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.