Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 1–4—Sal has a lot going on—a new sister, a visiting uncle, an annoying brother, and a missing pair of underpants. The four-year-old sister of Billy Miller from Henkes's previous middle grade novels, Sal received a set of flowered, days-of-the-week undies for Christmas. When her favorite pair goes missing, she's heartbroken. Papa and Mama help her search the house, and when the undies still can't be found, they help take her mind off this very big dilemma. Just when things start looking up, another problem occurs. Sal feels unprepared to deal with it all, but her family—even the new baby—shows her that big problems can sometimes have unexpected and wonderful outcomes. With his characteristic charm, Henkes takes readers straight into the microcosm of a little girl's world where small things mean everything, and imagination helps process emotions; readers will easily feel at home. The picture-perfect narrative creates a natural world filled with a relatable and engaging cast that feels more like family than book characters. The wholesome plot feels authentic and warm. The only downfall of this book is that it is marketed as middle grade because of the previous books when it will resonate far more with the chapter book audience. VERDICT A lovely, honest story perfect for fans of Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks or for those looking for a read-aloud for young children.—Kate Davis - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2022 *Starred Review* In this stand-alone companion book to The Year of Billy Miller (2013) and Billy Miller Makes a Wish (2021), the spotlight shifts from eight-year-old Billy to his four-year-old sister, Sal. On Christmas Eve, she became a big sister to “The Baby,” who is yet to be named. Though Sal seems to be coping with the change fairly well, at some point during each day since, she’s been in tears. Now it’s New Year’s Day, and she can’t find her favorite Christmas present, a pair of underpants (one of seven in a floral set) embroidered with a flower and the words Wednesday and Poppy. She asks her parents for help but doesn’t want Billy or Uncle Jake to know, in case they tease her. Mama vows to find Sal’s underpants and a name for her sister by the end of the day. Written in third person from Sal’s viewpoint, the story takes place within a 24-hour period, yet the family members’ actions, concerns, and conversations offer a broad range of insights into the characters and their relationships. Sal’s portrayal is drawn with particular finesse and will leave readers hoping for more. Small drawings accompany the text. A captivating family story with gentle humor and emotional resonance. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.