Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2020 Gr 5–8—Middle schoolers Bina and Darcy have a strong connection through their friendship and their music. When Enzo volunteers to be the new drummer in their band, at first it seems like it will work out well for everyone. But their relationships start changing into something new and unexpected: Darcy and Enzo against Bina. Then Bina's best friend Austin suddenly wants to become more than friends, and she's not sure what to do. Her band is falling apart, and friendship is too complicated. But Bina's messy life will provide plenty of inspiration for the new songs she plans to write. This sequel to Larson's All Summer Long will appeal to those who haven't read the earlier installment—though they'll be eager to pick that volume up after finishing this one. Heartfelt and authentic, this book tenderly captures the ebb and flow of love and friendship. Larson's artwork uses a limited palette of pinks and reds, skillfully conveying the characters' emotions as they try to untangle their new relationships. VERDICT For older kids and younger teens who love graphic novels and realistic fiction about music, friendship, and growing up.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2020 In this follow-up to All Summer Long (2018), eighth graders Bina and Darcy have established their band, but there’s still one thing missing: a drummer. After their classmate Enzo turns out to be the perfect fit, the trio disintegrates when Darcy and Enzo secretly start dating, leaving Bina feeling betrayed and excluded. It's a painful ordeal, but Bina finds some silver lining, including a longtime friendship that begins to develop into something more. Larson realistically captures the emotional minefield that is middle school through Bina and her friends, who are all authentically flawed. While the characters exhibit selfish motivations, their burgeoning self-awareness and corrective actions provide models for healthy relationships. Larson’s use of both a tablet and traditional pen and ink for her illustrations produces crisp, high-contrast lines, with the subtle coloring keeping the focus on the characters. A serendipitous meeting of some potential new friends in the final pages suggests Bina’s musical career has not quite reached its peak. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

Booklist - 07/01/2020 In this follow-up to All Summer Long (2018), eighth graders Bina and Darcy have established their band, but there’s still one thing missing: a drummer. After their classmate Enzo turns out to be the perfect fit, the trio disintegrates when Darcy and Enzo secretly start dating, leaving Bina feeling betrayed and excluded. It's a painful ordeal, but Bina finds some silver lining, including a longtime friendship that begins to develop into something more. Larson realistically captures the emotional minefield that is middle school through Bina and her friends, who are all authentically flawed. While the characters exhibit selfish motivations, their burgeoning self-awareness and corrective actions provide models for healthy relationships. Larson’s use of both a tablet and traditional pen and ink for her illustrations produces crisp, high-contrast lines, with the subtle coloring keeping the focus on the characters. A serendipitous meeting of some potential new friends in the final pages suggests Bina’s musical career has not quite reached its peak. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

Booklist - 07/01/2020 In this follow-up to All Summer Long (2018), eighth graders Bina and Darcy have established their band, but there’s still one thing missing: a drummer. After their classmate Enzo turns out to be the perfect fit, the trio disintegrates when Darcy and Enzo secretly start dating, leaving Bina feeling betrayed and excluded. It's a painful ordeal, but Bina finds some silver lining, including a longtime friendship that begins to develop into something more. Larson realistically captures the emotional minefield that is middle school through Bina and her friends, who are all authentically flawed. While the characters exhibit selfish motivations, their burgeoning self-awareness and corrective actions provide models for healthy relationships. Larson’s use of both a tablet and traditional pen and ink for her illustrations produces crisp, high-contrast lines, with the subtle coloring keeping the focus on the characters. A serendipitous meeting of some potential new friends in the final pages suggests Bina’s musical career has not quite reached its peak. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

Booklist - 07/01/2020 In this follow-up to All Summer Long (2018), eighth graders Bina and Darcy have established their band, but there’s still one thing missing: a drummer. After their classmate Enzo turns out to be the perfect fit, the trio disintegrates when Darcy and Enzo secretly start dating, leaving Bina feeling betrayed and excluded. It's a painful ordeal, but Bina finds some silver lining, including a longtime friendship that begins to develop into something more. Larson realistically captures the emotional minefield that is middle school through Bina and her friends, who are all authentically flawed. While the characters exhibit selfish motivations, their burgeoning self-awareness and corrective actions provide models for healthy relationships. Larson’s use of both a tablet and traditional pen and ink for her illustrations produces crisp, high-contrast lines, with the subtle coloring keeping the focus on the characters. A serendipitous meeting of some potential new friends in the final pages suggests Bina’s musical career has not quite reached its peak. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.