Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/15/2021 This vibrant picture book tells of Shirley Chisholm, the daughter of West Indian immigrants and the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. As young children, she and her sisters were sent to live with their grandmother in Barbados. They returned to Brooklyn six years later, during the Great Depression. Shirley's father reminded her daily, Study and make something of yourself.” She took it to heart, graduating from college and working in education, while taking an active role in community affairs. After serving in the New York State Assembly, she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and won. The main text concludes there. Her later candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination is one of many biographical facts in the appended author’s note. Besides telling of Chisholm’s life from childhood through her election to Congress, the story conveys a sense of her as a hardworking, “bold, brassy” woman who spoke up for the disadvantaged. Created with acrylics and mixed-media collage, Harrison’s striking illustrations are notable for her use of line, color, and pattern. A handsome picture-book biography. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2021 K-Gr 3—Young Shirley St. Hill, born in Brooklyn, NY, but spending her formative years in Barbados, exhibited her curiosity and boldness from an early age. She was an outstanding student, graduated college, taught school, and became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Emphasis is placed on her determination, drive, and persistence. When she was held back in school, she acquired a tutor to catch up and skip a grade. In college, she joined political action groups and questioned why so little was being done in poor neighborhoods. Williams provides an engaging account of Chisolm's life in an accessible manner and Harrison's attractive acrylic illustrations enhance a fine text. There are many books on Chisholm's life for the targeted demographic but this one is a cut above the rest. VERDICT Librarians may feel they have enough books on Chisholm's life but this volume should be considered as more than an additional purchase.—Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett County P.L., GA - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.