Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 03/10/2025 A child celebrating an ancestor’s birthday walks with family to a city landmark in this extended familial telling. Narrator Mei knows Great-Great-Grandfather Samuel Gong Moy was "the second American-born Chinese person in Washington, DC." Every year on the anniversary of his birthday, the family takes a photo beneath the Friendship Archway, a place that’s "like us-from China but also American." En route this year, Mom, with Mei’s help, details family history behind how Samuel’s father came to live in the city. When they arrive at the arch, crowds of people are protesting ("Hate is a virus" reads one sign), and Mei is, seemingly without warning, thrust onstage to share the tale. Chen’s light-infused digital illustrations mimic watercolor, artfully distinguishing flashbacks via desaturation. Lengthy text saps energy from the anecdotal narrative, but readers should appreciate the meaningful conceit of this work by Chase: "We are American, too!" Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4-6. (June) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 PreS-Gr 3—Mei, a young Chinese American girl, is preparing to honor her great-great-grandfather, the second American-born Chinese person in Washington, D.C., alongside her mother, father, and baby brother. As the family begins the journey to the Friendship Archway, Mei, donning her favorite dragon barrette and her great-great-grandmother's jade necklace, asks her mother, who is wearing her special cheongsam, to tell her the story of their family. Along the familiar route that includes stops in the local tea shop and bakery that have hateful vandalism on their exteriors, Mei listens and helps tell the story, which began in 1879. They soon arrive at their destination in Chinatown, which Mei is surprised to see is filled with crowds holding signs and listening to a speaker. Mei and her mother soon take the stage and together share their family's story, with Mei beginning a chant of, "We are American, too." Chase flawlessly interweaves themes of resilience and bravery throughout the narrative, which is based on her family history. Chen's illustrations capture the strength, pride, and unity of Mei's Chinese ancestry and American identity, as well as the endless support of both her community and family. Back matter includes an author's note and family tree. VERDICT A stunning story of family history and heritage, identity, and the power of protest, this is highly recommended purchase for all collections.—Olivia Gorecke - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.