Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2017 Gr 4–6—School-age readers who dream of attending classes full-time on a boat that sails around the world will appreciate the second book in this series by the author of the popular adult mystery titles "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." In this sequel, the brother/sister duo Ben and Fee lead their schoolmates on yet another adventure, this time to the Caribbean. The book begins by reintroducing all the main characters from the first entry (making it easy for readers to jump into the series) and explaining all the details of the ship and its crew. The first adventure takes place on land during the schoolmates' two-week vacation when they rescue Tanya from being retaken from her cruel aunt and uncle (a story from the first book). Then they set sail for the Caribbean Islands. Each day is filled with regular school lessons in the morning and afternoon sessions on seafaring. It's almost perfect except for clashes with William Edward Hardtack and his gang, who always seem to get away with bullying and cheating. When the Tobermory docks in Green Bay Island, a new mate, Mike, comes aboard, and the crew are led into more dangerous journeys. Readers will love the fast-paced tale and fascinating locations. As an added bonus, instructional details of seafaring are woven seamlessly into the plot. Graphic-style illustrations by McIntosh supplement the text. VERDICT New readers and students familiar with the first volume will enjoy this sequel and be eager for the next installment.—Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/01/2017 Twins Ben and Fee MacTavish continue their adventures on the school ship Tobermory, along with their friends Badger, Thomas, Poppy, Tanya, and Angela, while avoiding troublemakers William, Geoffrey, and Maximilian. When the friends return to the Tobermory after the holidays, they sail to the Caribbean, where they meet a young boy named Mike who saves Badger’s life. In return Badger helps Mike enroll in school on their ship. When Mike is unjustly accused of theft, however, he leaves the Tobermory to join the crew of Bert Thorn’s ship, which was headed to Shark Island. When the friends learn Thorn might be a pirate, they set out to help bring Mike back home. Told in a steady, calm pace but with plenty of action and adventure, this is sure to be a hit with fans of sea stories, not to mention those who loved the first book in the series. Accompanying illustrations of the characters and some of the events further add to the detailed world of the story. A fun, enjoyable read. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.