Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/20/2024 Gr 1–4—This book authentically recounts the story of the author's great-great-grandfather, Robert Smalls. From a young age, Smalls worked on ships in Charleston, SC. As an enslaved person, he lived with his wife and two children above the Mill House Hotel, where his wife worked and he dreamed of making enough money to buy freedom for himself and his family. But an opportunity arose for another way to escape slavery. With the Civil War breaking out, he planned to steal the ship he was working on, the Planter, sailing the Confederate ship through the Union blockade to freedom. With the help of 16 enslaved people, including his family, he daringly passed through several Confederate forts without being stopped and bravely flew the surrender flag when he approached the Union Blockade. Because of his efforts, all 16 people were set free. The collage illustrations are a perfect pairing for this courageous story. The author adds veracity with a letter to readers, sharing about his connection to the book. VERDICT A genuine account of an enslaved person daringly achieving a better life. Highly recommended for elementary school libraries.—Nancy Hawkins - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2024 *Starred Review* In 1862, Robert Smalls was a young enslaved man living in Charleston, South Carolina, and working aboard a Confederate naval ship, which he often piloted for the captain. Skilled at his job, he received a percentage of his earnings and hoped to buy his family’s freedom, but it could take decades. Knowing that the captain, officers, and white crew members often spent the night in town, Smalls planned a daring escape for his family and those of other enslaved men on board. Disguising himself to look and sound like the captain, Smalls called out the proper code at each Confederate fort they passed, steered the ship to pick up the wives and children, and, sailing out of Charleston Harbor, raised a white flag, surrendering the vessel to the U.S. Navy. This picture-book retelling of his courageous escape from slavery is particularly good for a young audience. The story is presented with a sense of drama while filling in background information for kids. Blue hues subtly enhance the shades of brown in Collier’s illustrations. Using deep, contrasting colors and subtle textures, the striking paintings are particularly effective in the dimly lit scenes indoors and on the water at night. A handsome, historical picture book. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.