Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/13/2020 Gr 3–5—Things are changing at Appleton Elementary School with the arrival of the new school librarian, Rita B. Danjerous. Appleton hasn't had a school library in 14 years and, with only 19 students, had been in danger of closing. Ms. Danjerous opens the library in a broom closet, and launches a controversial new book collection addressing topics that students might be embarrassed or scared to ask for, which can be checked out without needing a library card. This newfound excitement for books among students and staff alike comes much to the chagrin of Iwana Beprawpa, the new school board president, who argues this hinders the manners and morals she is encouraging at the school. In addition, Ms. Beprawpa institutes questionable changes, such as creating a new uniform policy requiring students to purchase the uniform from her store Beprawpa Attire. When Ms. Danjerous's daughter, Maya, and her friend Sarah begin working for the local paper, they are able to report on some of these mysteries and scandals in their small town with the help of editor Etta Toryal. Written entirely in letters, e-mails, phone messages, and newspaper articles, this funny (and punny) story introduces censorship issues, political corruption, and investigative journalism. VERDICT A fun and quirky story that shows the impact of books on a small community.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2020 The start of the school year in Appleton, Illinois, brings new school librarian, Rita B. Danjerous, and newly elected school-board president Ivana “I don’t need to read a book to know I don’t like it” Beprawpa into position for a face-off. Not only does the school’s broom-closet library now feature a “green dot” collection of titles on controversial or embarrassing topics that students can borrow anonymously, but the librarian is recommending books that keep students—and even some grown-ups!—awake past their bedtimes. Worse yet, Ms. Danjerous refuses to patronize Beprawpa Attire (the only clothing store in town) to outfit her nine-year-old daughter, May B, according to the newly imposed dress code. Beprawpa is set up as a straw villain, so openly corrupt that the climactic school-board meeting is less a forum for airing conflicting views, and more the event where she gets hers. Not their best, but another pun-tastic outing from the Sisters Klise, told entirely in memos, email messages, chats, letters, invoices, and newspaper reports, and dedicated to all “rabble-rousing librarians and scandal-stomping young readers.” - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

Booklist - 04/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.