Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 Gr 3–4—This title takes readers on a vibrant journey from Addis Ababa to New York, showcasing the universal experience of starting school. Through bright, whimsical illustrations, the book highlights daily activities and traditions in various countries, including Morocco, Japan, and Argentina. Each page captures the essence of school life, from national anthems to packed lunches, emphasizing both the similarities and differences among cultures. The narrative weaves together the experiences of children across the globe, demonstrating how, despite geographical distances, the first day of school binds them together in shared excitement and anticipation. The text is rich and complex, serving as an excellent resource for teachers and librarians aiming to introduce diversity and multiculturalism to young students. VERDICT A delightful celebration of global connection through the lens of education.—Haley Amendt - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Other - 04/28/2025 This uplifting picture book visualizes the first day of school for children the world over. Beginning in Africa, where the rising sun eases "over Kenya and Tanzania,/ Uganda and Somalia," communal lines read, " ‘Habari za asubuhi!’ We sing in Swahili, welcoming the morning air." As the narrative moves across continents, Zoboi references cultural elements such as food, language, song, religion, and music. Velvet-textured multimedia illustrations from Londo?o supply cultural and geographical cues: on one page, children in China write with ink in Tian Zi Ge notebooks. Concluding in New York City, the work highlights diversity and interconnectivity across the globe, celebrating "believing and dreaming across oceans and borders.../ all around the world,/ on this first day." An author’s note concludes. Ages 4-8. (June) - Copyright 2025