Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2021 Sweet brings her signature style of intricate collage compositions to this picture-book biography of Judith Scott, a fiber artist with Down syndrome. With assistance from Spengler, author Joyce Scott (Judith’s twin sister) poetically describes her happy childhood with her sister, which turns to grief and dismay when, in 1950, their parents send Judith to an institution, where she ends up staying for decades. As adults, Joyce and Judith are finally reunited, and Judith finds a creative outlet at an organization giving people with disabilities a place to make art. Judith’s sculptures, colorful bundles of found materials, eventually brought her world renown, though primarily after her death, a note the book somewhat abruptly ends on. Joyce emphasizes the importance of creative freedom, though there’s a sadness here that children might have questions about. Sweet effectively uses color to evoke mood and incorporates homages to Judith’s art in her eclectic, eye-catching compositions. Backmatter elaborates on Judith’s life and art and includes a photo of one of her striking sculptures. An artful, deeply felt glimpse into the life of a lesser-known artist. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2021 Gr 2–4—This is the true story of twin sisters Joyce and Judy, who are inseparable, until Joyce goes to school and Judy can't because she has Down syndrome. Even after Judy is institutionalized, Joyce continues to be involved as much as she can with her. As an adult, Joyce becomes Judy's legal guardian and brings her home to live with her and her family. Joyce enrolls Judy in an art program that is designed to help her express herself. After some time in this school, an artist is born; after Judy dies of heart failure, her art and story continue to inspire people. This book is an amazing tribute to the determination and unshakeable bond of these siblings, who are white. The illustrations use lots of fiber art and other mixed media art in a way Judy would appreciate. Pictures with Judy and her sister are bright and colorful, while those of Judy's elementary school and other moments in time, not as happy, are darker. VERDICT For the art shelves or biography, this is a tale that teaches empathy; the coauthors and illustrator have recreated a loving world with harsh realities dancing around the melancholy edges.—Dorinda Brown, High Plains Community Schs., Polk, NE - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.