Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 Gr 2–6—This recounting of Rosetta Tharpe's life sets itself apart by focusing on the period in her early childhood when she learned to play guitar, and the close relationship she had with her mother, both of which greatly influenced her larger life story. Tharpe's mother gave her the gift of a guitar at age four, and so began her passion. With a goal of playing at the church anniversary, the young girl persevered through the sore fingers, broken strings, and ear-splitting sour notes all fledgling players endure in order to master their craft. And master it she did, with the support and love of her mother and community. The author's note picks up where the picture book story leaves off, briefly recounting the trajectory of Tharpe's career, and the influence she had on rock and roll and American music, in general. Spreads of cut-paper collage in muted earth tones are punctuated with musical notes and notations in blues and purples, a combination that gives great depth and interest to the illustrations. VERDICT An overdue narrative of one of early rock's most influential figures, and an additional purchase for most biography collections.—Jennifer Noonan - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2023 The formative childhood years of Black American music legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe takes center stage in this pitch-perfect picture-book biography. Little Rosetta grows up listening to her momma play the mandolin, and dancing and singing with her Cotton Plant, Arkansas, church community. When the child gets her first guitar, she is excited to make music and create her “very own story.” The musical prodigy practices, strums, and plucks in earnest, emulating the sounds she hears around her neighborhood. The text sings with well-orchestrated onomatopoeic sounds: “The low gruumm of a train rolling along the tracks. The sharp squeeeak of wagon wheels.” Little Rosetta’s debut performance at her church’s anniversary shines a spotlight on her hard work, determination, and sheer love of music. Pinkney Barlow’s cut-paper collages feature snippets of sheet music and guitar strings, while an afterword provides information about Tharpe’s trailblazing career. This upbeat, harmonious portrait of the “Godmother of Rock and Roll” as a child hits all the right notes. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 The formative childhood years of music legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe take center stage in this pitch-­perfect picture-book biography. Little Rosetta grows up listening to her momma play the mandolin and dancing and singing with her Cotton Plant, Arkansas, church community. When the child gets her first guitar, she is excited to make music and create her “very own story.” The musical prodigy practices, strums, and plucks in earnest, emulating the sounds she hears around her neighborhood. The text sings with well-orchestrated onomatopoeic sounds: “The low gruumm of a train rolling along the tracks. The sharp squeeeak of wagon wheels.” Little Rosetta’s debut performance at her church’s anniversary shines a spotlight on her hard work, determination, and sheer love of music. Pinkney Barlow’s cut-paper collages feature snippets of sheet music and guitar strings, while an afterword provides information about Tharpe’s trailblazing career. This upbeat, harmonious portrait of the “Godmother of Rock and Roll” as a child hits all the right notes. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.