Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2019 Gr 3–6—Diana is the only child on Themyscira, island of the mythic Amazons, and her tween years are a little less enchanting than her storied birth from magic clay. She has outgrown some of her childhood interests, but the adult Amazons, including her mother, Queen Hippolyta, are too busy to play with her. Diana makes a new friend from clay, Mona, who quickly bonds with her and also worries about feeling forgotten. However, Mona nudges Diana into making fun of others, stealing, antagonizing those who correct her, and faking injury to gain sympathy. Diana seems to understand that what she's doing is wrong, but she doesn't want to lose her only friend. Readers will enjoy seeing the ins and outs of Amazon life, including Diana's "aunties," who have different body sizes and skin colors and fulfill a variety of roles. The island aesthetic consists of green grass, blue skies, and pillared structures with touches of magic, like the Doom's Doorway that contains monstrous spirits. Ying's cartoon illustrations convey Diana's journey from self-doubt to excitement to guilt to, finally, triumphant pride and maturity. Wildlife abounds on the islands, including dolphins, birds, rabbits, felines, and a conspicuous colorful bird that becomes more noticeable on repeat readings. Drawn in sepia, Mona's design includes shading and highlights that the Amazons don't have, making her stand out. VERDICT A young Wonder Woman leads a playful, emotionally astute morality tale about the responsibilities children and adults have to each other. For comics fans and newcomers alike.—Thomas Maluck, Richland Library, SC - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2020 In this middle-grade graphic novel, Diana, soon to be Wonder Woman, current princess of the Amazons, is a kid living on the island of Themyscira. With her mother spending less time with her and more time being queen, Diana is starting to feel very lonely. One day, she uses magic to conjure up a new friend. Diana is having a great time with someone her own age, but as their tricks become dangerous, Diana wonders if she’s doing the right thing. Finally, the tricks cause a huge problem, and Diana must decide if she will stand up for her aunties and queen or continue down the treacherous path her new friend has created. This inviting introduction to well-known Wonder Woman nicely complicates the classic superhero story and shows young readers that even superheroes can feel lonely and be frustrated by their circumstance. Beautifully colored artwork, featuring clearly choreographed action and expressive, kid-like figures, in easy-to-follow panels makes this particularly well-suited to comic-book newbies. Hand to kiddos eager for an entry into superhero comics. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.