Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2017 Sumac Lottery’s brother describes their family best: “We’re a raggle-taggle, multiculti crew.” There are 11 of them living in their huge house (called CameLottery): two pairs of parents, PapaDam and PopCorn, and CardaMom and MaxiMom; and seven children, some biological, some adopted. Though it’s hectic, it’s friendly and comfortable, until PopCorn’s father, a grizzled old-fashioned man they secretly call Grumps, comes to live with them. The frenetic chaos of a whimsical, highly untraditional family of 11 could quickly get unbearably cutesy, but Donoghue manages to keep its feet on the ground through stalwart Sumac’s precocious observations. When Grumps arrives, it’s empathetic Sumac who seems most affected, and she worries that what’s best for the Lotterys might not be what’s best for Grumps. Through all the colorful jumble of CameLottery, the family’s idiosyncratic portmanteaus, and the individualistic lifestyles, Donoghue zeroes in on the vivid, dynamic characters, who patiently and supportively deal with realistic conflicts and accommodate, sometimes reluctantly, different perspectives. This openhearted novel demonstrates that, even if a family looks unusual to some, love and acceptance is universal. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2017 Gr 4–6—Sumac Lottery has a pretty sweet life. Four parents (in two loving couples), six siblings, five pets, and a big old house in Toronto. Her world is turned upside down when Grumps, an estranged grandparent, comes to stay. Grumps, who has dementia and is often disoriented, doesn't approve of anything he sees at the Lotterys' house, and Sumac doesn't approve of him one bit. Grumps is, well, grumpy and set in his somewhat bigoted ways, and the Lotterys are a lot to take in. Donoghue is the author of many acclaimed books for adults, and her first title for young readers is a kind of realistic fantasy, a warmhearted, deeply improbable, emotionally alert jumble of ancient Sumerian, lottery winnings, elaborate family rituals, gelato, and acceptance. Many issues are touched upon in this novel, including homeschooling, gender fluidity, and diverse cultural traditions; in Donoghue's capable hands, they are treated with a cheerful self-awareness that lends itself to a timely and funny reading experience. At its core, this is a classic family disruption story, complete with a slow approachment of understanding between the intruder and various family members, and an uplifting if imperfect conclusion. VERDICT An ideal option for "Penderwicks" fans, lovers of Ellen Airgood's Prairie Evers, and those who enjoy series about big, loving families.—Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.