Bound To Stay Bound Books, Inc.

Full Text Reviews:

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 4–7—Thirteen-year-old Jillian Robichaux adores her small southern Louisiana town, where she lives with her mama and Nonnie. When a storm with no name brings too much rain, homes and businesses in Boutin flood and the school is badly damaged. Jillian and her classmates are sent by bus to another school 40 miles inland. To make matters even more complicated, Jillian's mostly absent, less-than-dependable dad is sleeping on the couch temporarily. As she learns about Louisiana's coastal erosion problem, Jillian becomes determined to save her hometown, throwing herself into a huge petition and a time-consuming history project—but she can't shake the feeling that home will never be the same again. This lovingly rendered, authentic portrayal of the people and culture of south Lousiana illustrates an ecological concept that may be unfamiliar to readers outside the state. Compelling, intelligent characters and opportunities for learning that don't read like a textbook combine for a valuable, unique story exploring the way the landscape and environment are deeply embedded in the lives and hearts of those from the Louisiana coastline. Cajun dialect and colloquialisms and vivid descriptions of the setting add to the narrative's strong sense of place. Middle grade readers will identify with Jillian's struggle to find a way to accept things that are beyond her control while still working to create meaningful change. All main characters are white. VERDICT A poignant and emotional exploration of a people and place worth preserving. Recommended for all collections serving young people.—Allie Stevens - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2023 *Starred Review* For 13-year-old Jillian Robichaux, home is Boutin, the small, tight-knit town in coastal Louisiana where she lives with her divorced mother and Nonnie, her grandmother. For decades, Boutin has suffered from rising waters and a dwindling population. But after new storms flood the area and damage her school, Jillian realizes that her mother is considering moving away. For a girl who can’t count on her absent father to keep his promises, the thought of leaving the support system of her friends and neighbors as well as the beauty of nature around her is overwhelming. While leading a movement to reopen her school, she finds comfort in preserving Boutin’s stories through an oral history project and replanting marsh grasses to stop coastal erosion. From Nonnie’s storytelling to the sight of sunset over the marsh, the vivid first-person narrative helps readers understand why Jillian is determined to stay in Boutin and how she finds hope for a future when the town may be gone. While the importance of taking action to limit the effects of climate change is an element of the book, more central is the power of families, communities, and stories to bring people together and provide support. An involving, heartening novel of growth and change. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.