Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 04/07/2025 Moore makes her picture book debut with an affirming poem inspired by the 2022 appointment of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (b. 1970). Interleaving biographical beats from Brown Jackson’s life with broader experiential descriptions, rousing free verse explores the way an unnamed Black girl "speaks her dreams into existence" when told she’s "not fit." Subsequent lines invoke other Black women figures who might have been similarly dismissed ("Someone probably told Harriet Tubman/ that she was not fit enough to make it/ to freedom"). Like them, the text suggests, Brown Jackson has proved her detractors wrong: "here she stands, necessary justice." Collage-style mixed-media illustrations from Coulter (Zora, the Story Keeper) layer text and portraiture with images of crowns and stars-one image wreathes a Black Lady Justice in golden splendor, and another sees a young Brown Jackson raised up by others, "smiling as beautifully as Ida B. Wells in the face of obstacles." Acknowledging those that have paved the way for others, it’s an extended, blessing-like tribute that emphasizes, "Your crown shines." Ages 6-10. Author’s agent: Regina Brooks, Serendipity Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Aevitas Creative Management. (June) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 06/01/2025 Gr 1–5—A young Ketanji Brown in pigtails and striped socks is shown arriving at school after her father drops her off. Even when Brown was young, her parents instilled hope and perseverance in her, so she is not disturbed by any limitations people tried to put on her. When a high school guidance counselor told her she was dreaming too big and needed to set her sights lower, she was not deterred or discouraged. She didn't let others decide where she should fit. Looking to notable Black women from the past like Harriet Tubman and Sister Roberta Tharpe, young Brown continued to press forward, overcoming the obstacles in her way to become the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The crowns of every Black woman past and present light the way for the powerful and brave little Black girls of today. This beautifully illustrated picture book highlights a particular life while also encouraging Black girls everywhere to proudly wear their crowns. Coulter creatively combines traditional media like paint and yarn with scanned images of court documents, speeches, and opinions to create a truly unique reading experience. This picture book is a shining example of the past, present, and future of Black excellence and empowerment. VERDICT A gorgeously illustrated celebration that is a must-purchase.—Myiesha Speight - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.