Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 12/01/2019 For young Meg, making things from boxes is fun and something she’s good at, whether its houses, towers, or more fanciful constructions. And when Mom enrolls her in Maker School, Meg’s happy she’s the only “boxitect” among “’blanketeers, spaghetti-tects, tin-foilers” and others. That is, until Simone, another talented boxitect, arrives. Soon, Simone’s suggesting Meg’s work could be “a little straighter” and “less boring,” causing Meg to point out Simone’s could be “sturdier, and much prettier.” Tensions escalate when they’re paired for school’s “Maker Match,” and when they argue so much they end up building separate but connected constructions, it doesn’t go well for either. Eventually, putting their heads together sparks inspiration and fosters positive outcomes—including friendship. Accompanied by lively, descriptive prose, the vibrant, cartoon illustrations fill pages with the kids’ endeavors, from buildings to robots to a hyperbolically oversize plane, all of which incorporate whimsical details. Touching on STEAM-related elements, this offers a supportive, upbeat approach to encouraging imagination and learning, not to mention the rewards of creativity and collaboration. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.