Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2022 *Starred Review* It’s summer when 11-year-old Maizy first visits her grandparents’ home in Last Chance, Minnesota, and their family business, the Golden Palace restaurant, founded by Lucky, her grandfather’s grandfather, in 1886. For several months, Maizy helps out at the restaurant and, in her grandparents’ home, looks after Opa, her grandfather, whose health is failing. She’s fascinated by his stories about Lucky, whose experiences as a cook’s assistant in San Francisco, a worker on the transcontinental railroad, and a businessman in Last Chance resembled those of many Asian immigrants. A racist attack on her grandparents’ restaurant stuns Maizy and drives her to investigate the mystery. She also reaches out to the descendants of the “paper sons” Lucky helped years ago. The novel features many convincing characters with complex relationships, from Opa’s long-standing feud with his childhood best friend to insights about Maizy’s mother, revealed only when she returns to her roots. In the first-person narrative, Maizy struggles to understand her mother and her grandparents, observing their interactions and learning about their experiences. While the mystery element adds a dimension to the plot, the real story here lies in Maizy awakening to her ancestral heritage and choosing to make it part of her life. A moving, multilayered family narrative. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/04/2022 Gr 4 Up—When 11-year-old Maizy's grandfather falls ill, she and her mother visit her grandparents in Minnesota for the first time. While helping run their Chinese restaurant, Maizy learns about her family history with enduring roots in the town since the 1880s. As Maizy discovers her ancestors' struggles against racism, she also confronts issues that still plague the town. In connecting with her grandparents, Maizy learns not only about past generations, but also about family dynamics of living up to your parents' expectations and strained familial relationships. This fast-paced, humorous, heartwarming tale of family and history is likely to appeal to readers of all ages. VERDICT Recommended first purchase for all collections. This contemporary fiction tale has mystery, friendship, and family packed into an enthralling read.—Monisha Blair - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.