Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 11/04/2024 In this conversational illustrated travelogue by Perkins (Violet and Jobie in the Wild), a tween discovers friendship that transcends a language barrier and the exhilarating mysteries of an unfamiliar environment. While visiting her father’s high school friend Ra?l in "a part of the world where most people speak Spanish," white-cued Lissie catalogs the things she observes and the ways they make her feel; a looming nearby volcano unsettles her, but she is charmed by gardens inside people’s homes and muses that "maybe there are a lot of different ways to make a house." She cheerfully collects Spanish words and phrases and incorporates them into her narration, which proves useful as she befriends Flory, the Spanish-speaking daughter of Ra?l’s girlfriend. A trip to the ruins of a Mayan pyramid spurs thoughtful conversation between Lissie, her grandmother, and the tour guide, giving Lissie further opportunity to ponder her place in time and space and ruminate on the connection she feels to this new place. Realistic full-page b&w illustrations punctuate the narrative, evoking a gentle episodic feel to the plot and emphasizing Lissie’s wide-eyed insights. Ages 8-12. (Feb.) - Copyright 2024

School Library Journal - 02/01/2025 Gr 3–7—Lissie, her father, and her grandmother travel to Guatemala to visit a family friend. She resolves to learn as much Spanish as she can. The story follows her trip, including many Spanish words, as well as some geography, geology, and history lessons. Despite the language barriers, Lissie finds friends and a sense of home in these new places and people. This younger middle grade novel is delightfully adorned throughout with black-and-white artwork that ranges from spot art to multi-page spreads and comic panels which both enhance and amplify the well-written story. The illustrations accompany the Spanish introduced in the text, spelled out and written phonetically. Using her new language skills, Lissie is able to make friends with other children. Beyond some initial hesitation in forming those friendships, there is no conflict to create a compelling plot, but what emerges is a sweet slice-of-life tale. The events take place only over the two weeks of their trip and provides just a small amount of room for character growth. Within that, Lissie finds some confidence in her ability to connect to others regardless of language and culture barriers. Lissie and her family are white; the people they meet and visit are Guatemalan. The author's note covers her experience learning Spanish; the book reads as a tourist's trip and lacks a cultural authenticity. VERDICT A simple, charmingly written story about a vacation to Guatemala that lacks the cultural depth and plot to add gravitas.—Elizabeth Nicolai - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.