Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 Gr 6 Up—Three Indonesian folktales—"Keong Mas," "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih," and "Timun Mas"—are reimagined in this anthology, which seeks to give power and autonomy to traditionally passive female characters. A selfish older sister, finding herself cursed by her younger sister, must seek to help someone other than herself before her curse can be lifted; a widower turns his anger, rooted in grief, on his daughters, who must stop taking responsibility for their father's happiness in order to find their own; and a happily unpartnered woman finds herself a caregiver of a young girl after she misguidedly agrees to an inadvisable deal and has to use her intellect to escape from it. The stories read quickly, and their wispy, rounded, and paradisaical illustrations are further romanticized in appearance through the use of lush, tropical, and forested settings colored in bejeweled hues of violets, golds, and teals. While some pages make ample use of white space, others use fluid spreads, panel-breaking art, and irregularly shaped, polygonal panels that add interest while leading up to unconventional happily-ever-afters. Characters have various skin tones, ranging from pale to dark, and diverse body types are included, as is blended family representation. The front matter includes a table of contents, while among the back matter is an author's note and a prose version of each of the original folktales. VERDICT A beautiful collection of folktales that succeeds in depicting strengthened female agency while promoting a healthy consideration for others.—Alea Perez - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/15/2023 *Starred Review* Have you ever longed for more? Have you ever scoured between the lines of a fairy tale, searching for fragments to piece together the girls hidden behind their assigned supporting roles? Angkasa’s debut graphic novel is a stunning answer to this yearning feeling. This book retells three beloved traditional Indonesian folktales: “Keong Mas,” “Bawang Merah Bawang Putih,” and “Timun Mas.” Angkasa skilfully breathes new life into these narratives, providing a fresh look from the perspective of the female characters. The stories, which appear in an impressive array of panel layouts and spreads, are each adorned with a distinct color palette that exudes rich textures. The book offers feminist retellings of the tales that beautifully intertwine with the essence of Indonesia, celebrating its culture and the resilience of its young women. As the tales unfold, a love letter to the country and the power of storytelling emerges. The only drawback is that this enchanting journey does not last forever, leaving readers eager for more stories. Carrying a song-like rhythm woven between both words and illustrations, this beautiful retelling is akin to Madeline Miller’s poetic style, tailored for a younger audience. While the book is targeted at a middle-grade audience, older readers who love folktales will also cherish these old stories presented in fresh, dynamic new ways. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.