Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/02/2025 Gr 2–5—An unnamed Native American boy grows his hair long like his father's and the dancers at powwows he attends. At school when he is teased for his hair, he remembers that "Braids are brave," imagines his ancestors with him, and tells the kids to "STOP!" In the aftermath, his dad tells the boy about the importance of hair in his life and the lives of his own father and grandfather. The father tells the boy that "having long hair is a promise to wake up every day and take pride in who you are," as it connects to traditions and ancestors, and "I promise to never cut it unless you ask me to." Alvitre's wordy text is paired with detailed illustrations that excel in easy-to-read facial expressions. The spreads work hard to evoke a sense of past and present while entwining Native American imagery and long hair. VERDICT A story of ancestors, love, loss, and self-acceptance wrapped in the meaning of long hair for men in Native American tradition, this rare topic in picture books makes it a good pick for most libraries.—Catherine Callegari - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2025 A young boy has been growing out his hair in order to wear it in brave braids. He hopes one day his hair will be long to match his dad's and the powwow dancers'. Even though brushing and detangling can hurt, he tries to be brave. When school starts, he learns he must be brave in other ways after some of his classmates pull his hair and treat him unkindly. His father shares stories of their grandfathers, how many cultural traditions were prohibited, including long hair; even the father himself had short hair as a child in private school. But those men were still brave, as is the young boy. The father says, Be the bravest person you can be. Your ancestors' strength is inside you. Alvitre's (Tongva) illustrations feature bold lines and soft colors, showing how bravery can take on many forms. One especially profound spread shows the spirits of the grandfathers behind the father, a visual reminder of each generation's strength supporting these characters. An excellent title for classrooms, libraries, and at-home reading. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.