Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2022 K-Gr 4—In this moving debut, Marwan pares immigration to its elements—family, loss, and acceptance—conveying it in delicate but lively watercolor and line. The true story of her stateless childhood displacement from Kuwait to New Mexico is fully retold in the back matter, which also explains the bull motif (connecting Kuwait to ancient Greece). The narrator (appearing to be about seven) doesn't understand why they must leave the aunties, the home, and culture they know; only the illustrations suggest the menace of people who "say we don't belong." In the new place, the family finds connections: music, the desert, balloons as colorful as the lost butterflies. Zahra is "different," but belongs. Much of the profound appeal of this book comes from the art. Thin expressive lines define spaces of cool color, with touches of plum and black, against gentle washes floating free (clouds, sea, Zahra's puffy hair). Every page includes tiny imaginative details to enchant attentive readers: flowers, birds, fish, prayer beads, oud, guitarrón, and much more. VERDICT This sensitive and beautifully depicted story should touch all young readers, regardless of family background or origin.—Patricia D. Lothrop - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 Judge this book by its gorgeous cover, note the promise held in its title, and stay through the end for its hopeful message. In this dreamlike memoir, Marwan recounts her family’s immigration from Kuwait to New Mexico in sparse prose and whimsical, vibrant watercolor illustrations. Like many stories of the topic, this begins with romantic nostalgia for the people and place left behind and from there transitions to the isolation that accompanies such cross-continental moves. Marwan’s artistic style is reminiscent of Quentin Blake’s, with pointy, outlined figures amid lush surroundings, capturing the distinct features of the seafront culture of Kuwait and the landlocked aridity of New Mexico. While the interplay of spare text and evocative illustrations works well to represent the emotional resonance of Marwan’s story, some readers may find the story too ethereal. For them, the back matter will fill in the gaps and provide historical, geographical, and cultural context. Can be paired thematically with José Pelaez and Lynn McGee’s Starting Over in Sunset Park (2021). - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.