Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/19/2022 Gr 3–7—Narrator Mirabelle's positive (and slightly sassy) disposition is inviting from the first sentence, as she befriends a boy taking piano lessons from the music teacher whose backyard she lives in. Mirabelle is a goldfinch who loves singing more than anything and is fascinated by the talented new student. Michael is naturally gifted but reluctant to play because he is upset about having to leave behind a beloved former teacher; missing his father, who is working away from home; and nervous about starting middle school in the fall. However, when there are no adults in the music room, the goldfinch sings while he plays, and they develop a special bond. Before long, Mirabelle has become Michael's good luck charm, and he feels like he cannot play without her, which complicates his preparations for a music festival featuring works of the Polish composer Chopin. Meanwhile, Mirabelle's world is rocked when her mother lays three new eggs, meaning she and her brothers will have to start being more independent. The narrative pace is meandering with low stakes, until action picks up in the last quarter of the book as the music teacher becomes ill and light is shed on the mystery of a missing piano. An author's note clarifies which details on goldfinches and Chopin are factual and which are embellishments. Students with some experience in vocal or musical instrument performance will no doubt be drawn in by the shop talk as both bird and boy learn to broaden their horizons. VERDICT This touching novel explores themes of family, friendship, loss, art, and music through the perspective of a bubbly but reflective narrator. Recommended for large fiction collections.—Lauren Younger - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/01/2022 *Starred Review* Mirabelle, a goldfinch who sings beautifully, enjoys listening from a branch outside Mr. Starek’s window when he plays the piano. A former concert pianist, the elderly man occasionally gives lessons to exceptionally gifted students such as Michael, an 11-year-old boy who is preparing to perform at a Chopin Festival. Unhappy to leave his former teacher, Michael initially refuses to play for Mr. Starek. But one day, the boy begins playing a piece by Chopin, and Mirabelle, perched near the window, begins to sing along. The spontaneous duet fills them both with awe. Now eager to learn from Mr. Starek and determined to play Chopin’s music well, Michael is also intrigued by the mystery of the composer’s missing Pleyel pianos and sets out to find one with help from Mirabelle. The story involves a treasure hunt, but it revolves around the characters’ love of music and the sense of wonder that it inspires. Black-and-white art (not seen in final form) will illustrate the book. Mirabelle’s lively, accessible first-person narrative offers a fresh perspective on the lives of birds and keen perception of the human characters. A companion book to Broach’s Masterpiece (2008), this captivating chapter book is perfect for readers who, like Mirabelle, are sometimes spellbound by music. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.