Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 11/11/2024 "Listen to..." repeats Alexander and Palmer’s entrancing history of Black music. The account begins with an image of brown-skinned people dancing and drumming in "the motherland." Page turns move the text forward in time, picturing people toiling in cotton fields ("Listen to the hymns"), singing in choir robes ("Listen to the Amazing Grace"), playing music near a railroad ("Listen to the deep blue-black moans"), and in another spectacular spread, performing ("Listen to the jazz"). Energetic text introduces doo-wop and rock, then funk and neo soul, including "the sonic innovators/ and the flamboyant inventors/ who rocked us around the clock." Black musical greats populate dramatic, color-drenched muralistic pages, while street scenes commemorate the rise of hip-hop and rap, "the tough-times poetry of the streets talking." And as the book winds down, music becomes the stuff of resistance, "the soundtrack of America... the sweet sound of a people/ surviving and thriving." Extensive notes about each spread conclude. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) - Copyright 2024

Booklist - 11/01/2024 *Starred Review* This vibrant picture book lifts up a stirring and enthusiastic ode to the magnificent tapestry of American music. Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Africa, the innovations and influences of the Black diaspora are celebrated as the foundation of iconic American genres evolving from chants, praise songs, and spirituals through blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, scat, and bebop, and later to rock, soul, funk, reggae, hip hop, and rap. Beginning each new musical exploration with the invitation to “listen,” prolific, multiaward-winning Alexander seamlessly weaves names of memorable artists, song titles, and lyrics into his signature energetic poetry. Listing and expanding on each of these references, the multipage afterword is a rich resource of the context and significance of each clever citation. Rendered in acrylic on board, Palmer’s illustrations burst with energy, layering vibrant colors in bold strokes and lively daubs. Each multi-layered spread weaves vignettes of figures and scenes into rich, dynamic compositions, set against swirling, patterned backgrounds. The art masterfully evokes the authentic experience of music—its beats pounding, melodies soaring, and rhythms pulsing—brilliantly bringing the visceral sensation of sound to the printed page. This exuberant tribute to the profound influence of Black culture on the ever-evolving kaleidoscope of American music is a spectacular symphony in print and an inspiration to young readers to engage with their musical heritage and to ignite their own innovations. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.