Boundless Sky by Amanda Addison, illustrated by Manuela Adreani, Lantana Publishing, 9781911373704 (ebook), 9781911373674 (hardcover), 2020
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? Bird undertakes a migration that brings the reader full circle on a journey through the boundless sky – his journey is a powerful metaphor of love, peace, and acceptance. Young Leila flees North Africa looking for a safe place to live, and Bird’s chance encounter and reunion creates a sense of welcome for everyone in the sanctuary of her new home. On the surface, this text appears to be a simple story with a happy ending, but just beneath the surface, one can find many opportunities for a deep conversation about belonging, welcoming, and freedom from oppression and danger. The digitally finished pencil illustrations fill each two-page spread with vivid backdrops as the bird/Leila make their way through the migration journey.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? This book is lovely as a foray into social justice for younger readers, and with added context could provide great depth for older students.
Who should buy this book? Elementary, middle school, and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Northboro, MA
Date of review: 2/19/20
Youth Services Book Review 
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