Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 Gr 7 Up—In this story that takes place in the future, sisters June and Maya bond over art and enjoy each other's company until Maya has her heart removed, a routine procedure in their society. After that, she can no longer feel emotions and concentrates only on her other studies. Even though June feels like an outcast at school, she believes that art is important and refuses to have the surgery. Eventually June's parents insist that she have her heart removed, but she only pretends to have the procedure. While researching the reclusive scientist who developed the unusual idea, June meets Max, who is beginning to feel emotions despite having undergone the surgery. While the plot seems unlikely and the teens rush towards their goal, the graphic novel's art is outstanding. The monochromatic background colors represent the heartlessness of society and set a sterile tone. Eye-catching pops of color are used to direct the movement and actions of June's mission. The artist uses color to represent shifts in time, allowing readers to reminisce along with June. Wilson makes a strong statement about the importance of art and emotions in society. June appears to be white, while the male lead has dark skin and curly hair. VERDICT While the plot moves at a fast pace, the art skillfully portrays the story and helps relay a relatable situation for teens.—Karen Alexander - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2023 Unlike most in this methodical world, tenderhearted and artistic June hasn’t yet chosen to discontinue the discomfort of emotions by having her heart removed and placed in a numbing solution. After losing the friendship of her beloved sister to the procedure, this plucky teen fakes her own to find a way to reverse it—a heart abandoned in its jar in an alley seems to hold the solution. June’s race to locate the scientist who invented the procedure intensifies as the immersed hearts begin to fail, reawakening feelings but causing pain and ultimately death. Art is rendered in pencil strokes and loose washes; a single color—often yellow, later red—effectively highlights key elements against a grayscale palette. Despite the somewhat illogical premise (removed hearts can later be propagated for replanting), the compelling, well-paced noir visuals will keep readers invested in June’s heart-racing quest. Wilson’s debut graphic novel presents a spare dystopian world where science and efficiency hold sway, but June’s determination and, of course, heart prove the redemptive power of art and emotion. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 06/15/2023 Unlike most in this methodical world, tenderhearted and artistic June hasn’t yet chosen to discontinue the discomfort of emotions by having her heart removed and placed in a numbing solution. After losing the friendship of her beloved sister to the procedure, this plucky teen fakes her own to find a way to reverse it—a heart abandoned in its jar in an alley seems to hold the solution. June’s race to locate the scientist who invented the procedure intensifies as the immersed hearts begin to fail, reawakening feelings but causing pain and ultimately death. Art is rendered in pencil strokes and loose washes; a single color—often yellow, later red—effectively highlights key elements against a grayscale palette. Despite the somewhat illogical premise (removed hearts can later be propagated for replanting), the compelling, well-paced noir visuals will keep readers invested in June’s heart-racing quest. Wilson’s debut graphic novel presents a spare dystopian world where science and efficiency hold sway, but June’s determination and, of course, heart prove the redemptive power of art and emotion. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.