Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2018 Max is nervous about the Inspiration Celebration, a program of biography reports delivered by costumed third-graders to their classmates and relatives. Though he idolizes his subject, explorer Ernest Shackleton, in rehearsal, he flubs the word Antarctica, pronouncing it “Artantica.” He’s unnerved when kids laugh, but with practice, the actual performance goes off without a hitch. That evening, he and his mom embark on a road trip to a family reunion, which he views as his chance to be a fearless explorer. At their destination, an amusement park, he practices Shackleton-inspired leadership skills on his newfound cousins and challenges himself to ride the roller coaster. Well designed for young readers, the story is told in three sections, each with five chapters. Attractive pencil drawings appear on most double-page spreads. In this sequel to Weekends with Max and His Dad (2017), Max is still grappling with the large and small changes brought about by his parents’ divorce. Urban excels at revealing the characters’ shifting emotions through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. A rewarding chapter book. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 Gr 2–4—Max is back in the second offering in this charming series. After a weekend with his dad (Weekends with Max and His Dad), Max brings his energetic spirit and loving concern for his divorced parents to an adventure with his mom. Divorce is not the main plot of this story; it's simply part of Max's family structure. Max's mom wants to take him on a road trip to a family reunion for the 100th birthday party of his Great-Great-Aunt Victory. And, best of all, it's at an amusement park! Max handles family concerns, like leaving his dad alone on one of their customary weekends, and regular old life concerns, like dealing with a school presentation and facing a gigantic roller coaster, in stride and with a good sense of humor. Max faces his fears, processes his feelings, and enjoys himself greatly. Perfectly pitched for independent readers, Urban's latest stars a boy who isn't perfect but is still a strong model for young people. VERDICT Highly recommended for chapter book collections; hand this series to readers seeking a realistic family story with lots of laughs.—John Scott, Friends School of Baltimore - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.