Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 03/03/2025 Alexander (How Sweet the Sound) and Craft (School Trip) emphasize the importance of nurturing creative expression and healthy competition in this meta illustrated collaboration. J Ennis- a talented cartoonist who loves creating comics for his peers (and the praise that comes with it)-is eager to become the first fifth grader to win Dean Ashley Public School’s annual creative storytelling competition. When J discovers that new kid K Wright has a gift for language, he’s initially unbothered, especially since K couldn’t "draw a straight line if he had a ruler." Then K’s rhythmic prose starts winning over J’s loyal fans, which ignites between the two a motivating and warmhearted rivalry. After all, there can only be one gifted fifth grader at DAPS-right? Renderings of J’s action-packed stories as well as b&w spot illustrations depicting the characters’ antics evoke physical humor and classic superhero comics flair. Author’s notes are sprinkled throughout the text; while some contextualize narrative decisions and define words, others showcase Craft and Alexander’s gentle ribbing and easy camaraderie, directly paralleling J and K’s evolving friendship. Ages 8-12. Agents: (for Alexander) Arielle Eckstut, Levine Greenburg Rostan Literary; (for Craft) Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/04/2025 Gr 2–5—Two fifth graders are ready to go head-to-head in the annual storytelling competition. One is renowned for his drawing skills and one for his writing. When their rivalry reaches a breaking point, they realize that they can work better together. This is a hybrid graphic novel/chapter book by Newbery Award-winning authors Alexander and Craft, and their talent shines through on every page. Both the authors are as much characters as the kids they've created to represent fictionalized younger versions of themselves. Interspersed throughout are writing tips, drawing advice, and story-crafting lessons. These asides turn a book about creating stories into a master class; but the asides and intertextual commentary are so humorous that young readers may not realize just how much they are learning. The black-and-white drawings are wonderfully done; simple but full of humor and character. Each element of design, including the different fonts for the author commentary, adds to the impact of this unique novel, making it very appealing for both fans of graphic novels and prose. Elementary children will come for the humor and great illustrations, but their teachers and families will appreciate the positive messaging and embedded storytelling tips. VERDICT An absolute must-purchase powerhouse of a hybrid illustrated novel packed with humor, storycrafting lessons, and a great rivals-to-teammates tale.—Elizabeth Nicolai - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.