Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/18/2023 Gr 5 Up—A detailed account of the 1963 March on Washington, one of America's most iconic civil rights events. The book begins with the initial inspiration and planning, then continues to Martin Luther King Jr.'s final speech of the day and the closing remarks. With a remarkable blend of primary resources, firsthand accounts, and thought-provoking questions, readers will learn about the many important people of the Civil Rights Movement and the intricacies of executing such an event. Black-and-white photographs, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, advertisements, and quotes from everyday people bring the story to life and provide a vivid glimpse into history. A table of contents, extra steps, things to consider, acknowledgments, notes, image credits, and an index are all included. VERDICT A highly recommended addition to civil rights collections that are looking for a well-written and deeply informative title.—Kate Rao - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/08/2023 *Starred Review* The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was not delivered in a vacuum. It was the final speech of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Wednesday, August 28, 1963. The march—with 250,000 attendees—became the largest and most important nonviolent protest for civil rights in U.S. history. This splendid work of narrative nonfiction tells its compelling story, presented chronologically from inception to conclusion. The brainchild of Black labor leader A. Philip Randolph and his mentee Bayard Rustin, the event was not without controversy. Then–President Kennedy opposed it, concerned that it might compromise his pending Civil Rights Act. Also opposed were Attorney General Bobby Kennedy and the antediluvian J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI, who attempted, unsuccessfully, to discredit the gay Rustin, a former Communist who had once been arrested on a morals charge. While Rustin and Randolph spearheaded the project, they were soon joined by 10 other civil rights leaders who offered advice and counsel. The authors have relied heavily on contemporary newspaper stories, a number of which are reproduced here along with a generous collection of black-and-white photos. Important appended material includes a collection of discussion questions and evidences the authors’ deep research (18 pages of notes). This is, in short, an indispensable work that belongs in every library. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.