Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 Gr 4–7—Historical fiction lovers are in for a treat with this heartfelt tale of discovery and hope. Twelve-year-old Bea is living unhappily with her newly blended family after her parents' divorce—young stepsister Sally particularly annoys her, and she misses her traveling reporter mother. Still, she's nervous to spend several weeks with Pidge, her grandmother, about whom she knows little. Despite warnings to be wary of unusual, forgetful behavior, Bea agrees to join Pidge on a secret, half-baked journey from California to her childhood home in Kansas in hopes to be reunited with her long-lost sister, Amelia Earhart. Pidge has been receiving mysterious letters from Meelie for decades and believes she is still alive. Bea, intrigued with the family mystery and warming to her grandmother's quirks, supports her as they stow away, hitchhike, and take to the skies in a desperate attempt to reach Kansas—despite Bea's nagging suspicion about the letters' authenticity. This story has much to love, from the touching development of Bea and Pidge's relationship to Bea conquering her fears and discovering the appeal of adventure. Bea even sees her stepsister in a new light as she witnesses the bond between Pidge and Meelie that transcends time and space. Young history buffs will appreciate the back matter, including a historical author's note, selected bibliography, and list of which quotes in the book are authentic. VERDICT An excellent purchase for readers who enjoy a strong dose of adventure and solid character development in their historical fiction.—Darla Salva Cruz, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2018 Twelve-year-old Bea is a worrier, especially since her parents’ divorce and her dad’s remarriage upended her world. She records her concerns in her worry journal, which holds entries ranging from news stories like the race riots of 1967—when this story is set—to more personal fears, like whether she truly fits in with her new family. Bea’s anxieties are put to the test when a summer visit with her grandmother Pidge turns into the biggest adventure of her life: a secret trip to reunite with Pidge’s long-absent sister, Amelia Earhart. Worries flash through Bea’s mind along with concerns about Pidge’s fuzzy memory, but so does the empowering knowledge that Earhart blood runs in her veins. The pair embarks on a journey riddled with sneaky schemes (spearheaded by Pidge) and setbacks, all while Behrens’ integrates tidbits about Earhart’s life, primarily through an imagined correspondence with Pidge. Though the letters can feel contrived, this supports the looming question of their authenticity. Informed by history, Behrens’ narrative treasures family relationships and celebrates courage. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.