Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/15/2023 *Starred Review* The term parachute kids refers to immigrant children who come to the U.S. while their parents stay behind in their home country. Inspired by New York Times best-selling illustrator Tang’s own childhood experience, her latest graphic novel is about three siblings trying to make it on their own in America after their parents return to Taiwan. In 1981, 10-year-old Feng-Li is at first excited when her family visits California for vacation. Her older brother and sister (Bro and Sis) are as shocked as she is when their parents tell them that America is their new home. Only Sis speaks English, and all three suffer the isolation of a new culture and language—all without their parents. Tang tackles the emotional and logistical complexities that undocumented children face from the unique perspectives of three siblings ranging in age from 10 to 16. Sis deals with the stress of being the responsible one and taking her parents’ place; meanwhile, Feng-Li struggles to make friends along with Bro, who is finding that his queer identity clashes with his Asian culture. They find strength in each other and eventually discover the joys of their new home and its promise of a better future. Tang’s artwork clearly conveys the emotions of each scene, and readers will find this story hard to put down. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2023 Gr 4 Up—In 1981, Feng-Li, 10, travels to California from Taiwan with her family for what she thinks is a vacation, but her parents planned for the siblings to stay in "the land of opportunity." They adopt American names for school, and Feng-Li (now Ann) holds fast to her "tomorrow will be better" fortune cookie paper, despite her struggles with English. When both parents have to return to Taiwan, the undocumented siblings are on their own, with older sister Jia-Xi (Jessie) in charge, and middle son Ke-G ng (Jason) resentful. Feng-Li plays peacemaker between her two siblings, but the three face frightening obstacles before their family is reunited. Feng-Li wonders, "How has everything gone so wrong? Aren't we here for the American dream? So far it has been nothing but a nightmare." But when her sister falls into depression, the plucky girl swings into action, inspiring her siblings to pull together, and the ending is hopeful. There are sometimes six or seven panels on a page, but the action and the characters' emotions are easy to follow; red text in yellow speech balloons denote when they are speaking Chinese, black text in white balloons signifies English. A subplot indicates that Ke-G ng is gay, something his mother wants him to suppress, and his new friends reject him for. An author's note explains that she herself was a "parachute kid," and that the story is a mix of fiction, memory, and anecdotes. VERDICT At once common and unique, this is a compelling story of immigration and family bonds; highly recommended.—Jenny Arch - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.