Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/06/2024 Gr 4 Up—This collection offers one-page overviews of famous and not-as-famous sports figures (Atoy Wilson, Abby Roque) "who broke barriers, took risks, and pushed back against injustice." The fight continues for many, including gymnast Gabby Douglas, who became an anti-bullying spokesperson after winning Olympic gold, and transgender NCAA swimmer Lia Thomas. Athletes from a range of sports are included, along with game-changing managers, coaches, and referees. Each individual's career and accomplishments are summarized in one page, plus a cartoon illustration. The focus is on U.S. athletes with a few exceptions, namely Canadian hockey players Willie O'Ree and Manon Rhéaume, and the first segregated South African rugby team. This well-crafted resource offers two time lines, a bibliography, sections on Title IX, the Paralympics, and the Haudenosaunee Lacrosse team—the first Native American team to play at an international competition. This is a good choice for browsers and readers who've enjoyed other entries in this series. VERDICT Browsers and sports fans will be drawn to these concise yet engaging vignettes and will want to learn more about and cheer on these noteworthy athletes.—Marilyn Taniguchi - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2024 From the Fearless Firsts series, this collective biography spotlights individuals who have been outstanding in their sport or have broken down barriers of discrimination based on race, gender, or physical disability. Each athlete is introduced in a double-page spread. One page carries biographical information and explains how the person excelled, while the facing page offers an attractive full-page illustration of the athlete. A few entries break the pattern by focusing on teams or celebrating special achievements, such as the history of the Paralympics, the passage of Title IX and its impact over the last five decades, and the petition, signed by more than 50,000 lacrosse players worldwide, demanding that the World Lacrosse league rescind the decision to exclude the Haudenosaunee Nationals teams (an Indigenous Nation whose ancestors originated lacrosse) in the World Games. The writing is straightforward and very readable. Both authors have a background in sports journalism and have written many nonfiction books for middle-grade readers, including biographies for the Who Was? series. An appealing choice for sports fans. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.