Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/01/2021 *Starred Review* It should come as no surprise that Selznick has tossed standard storytelling conventions aside in his first collection of short stories, which drift through genre, time, and even space, as the tableaux shift with occasional references to elements from previous stories. What remains consistent is the unnamed boy who narrates, often involving or reflecting upon his best friend, James, who, it becomes clear, has died. The kaleidoscope becomes a perfect, unifying motif for the ever-changing tales and their fragmented beauty, literally implemented in the beautiful graphite illustrations preceding each story: the first being a patterned, abstract image that resolves into a second scene made whole. Readers willing to trust Selznick will be rewarded with a trip to the moon, a friendly giant, an unusual genie, and a tricky dragon, not to mention the simple joys of boyhood. While each story is only a few pages long, Selznick has built dazzling worlds into which readers can momentarily drop. Yet with all the adventures that unfold, the emotions underlying the tales are what elevate them and lend cohesion to the collection. It is marked by the boys’ love for one another, their joy in the world’s wonders (or those of other realms), and the quiet melancholy of the narrator’s grief—all jumbled wonderfully together, reflective of the complexity of life at the edge of childhood.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A new book by the beloved creator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret will be celebrated by adults and kids alike, so double that order. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/01/2021 Gr 6 Up—Author and artist Selznick delivers big in his ambitious new short story collection. While the page count may be slight in comparison to some of his best-known titles (including The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonder), this is by far his most complex work to date. Divided into thirds—Morning, Afternoon, Evening—this book explores the relationship of an unnamed narrator and their companion, James (both characters adhere to the white default). The stories' connections come into sharper focus as the reader moves from Morning to Evening, though a great deal is left entirely open to interpretation. Key themes include friendship, love, grief, dreams, reality, and god—heavy fare for readers both young and old. The stories cover myriad genres, but even as the characters shift and change, "I" and "James" are constants (of a sort). Each story is prefaced by two illustrations: a representational image and a kaleidoscopic abstraction. Selznick has rendered the powerful illustrations in his signature black and white, with rich tonal work and keen details; the book's cover is stunningly executed in colored pencil. VERDICT This title is unique in its appeal and would be a valuable addition to middle grade, young adult, and adult/general interest collections alike.—Taylor Worley, Springfield P.L., OR - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.