Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2023 Gr 6–8—Lê's latest graphic novel gives readers an engaging introduction to meditation and Buddhism. Bình and his family are going to a silent meditation retreat, which he and his sisters are not happy about. He doesn't want to give up his Game Boy and one sister wonders why she can't just go to a "regular" summer camp. Bình has trouble settling in at the retreat and is uncomfortable sitting cross-legged, trying to meditate. Instead of clearing his mind, he reminisces about an incident from school that he hasn't been able to talk to his family about, imagining it as if it were a video game. His schoolmates had been harassing him for being Vietnamese and he fought back, but instead of being congratulated for beating the Level One bullies, he was punished. Game over. But after the first abysmal day, the children are taken to a separate room where they are taught stories about the roots and tenets of Buddhism. They learn about obstacles Buddha faced and overcame on the path to enlightenment, and Bình is able to see himself in the stories by picturing them as video game levels. He understands the lessons more deeply and sees how they apply to his life and how he can open up to his family. VERDICT Told through colorful, expressive art and video game-influenced storytelling, this graphic novel explores the value of friendship and the importance of community. Regardless of the reader's beliefs, concepts discussed here will be meaningful.—Carla Riemer - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/15/2023 Most kids Binh’s age go to Disney World or space camp for vacation, but not his family. They are on their way to a silent meditation camp at a Buddhist retreat in the mountains. None of the visitors can speak the entire time, and no video games are allowed, just a whole lot of meditating and listening to stories about the Buddha. In this quiet, idyllic place, Binh has no choice but to reflect on the fight he had with a bully at school who made fun of him for being Vietnamese. The latest graphic novel from award-winning author Lê uses humor and a middle-school boy’s imagination to connect the Buddha’s life lessons with his present-day challenges. Chau’s illustrations are rich with cultural details of the Buddhist oasis and the video game fantasy world that Binh imagines to help him understand the principles he learns at the retreat and, ultimately, conquer each of his real-life trials. Perfect for fans of Vera Brosgol’s Be Prepared (2018) or Lily LaMotte’s Measuring Up (2020). - Copyright 2023 Booklist.