Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/01/2023 Gr 4–6—Dori talks to the Statue of Liberty. The 12-year-old pleads with "Libby" to bring Pop home safely from the battles of World War II, as the statue was the last to see his ship leave and would be the first to see him return. After Pop was drafted five months ago, Dori's life without him (mom died from tuberculosis) has been a struggle for her and brothers Fish, 17, and Pike, 7. The siblings survive through their fierce devotion to one another and the generosity of their neighbors. The new building landlord, however, suspects Pop's absence and wants to turn the children over to a city orphanage. Dori's adventurous spirit leads her to discover a new home to keep the siblings together: rooms in an abandoned hotel, accessible only through an old hand-pulled elevator hidden in a nearby restaurant. Albus (A Place to Hang the Moon) vividly recreates the landscape of New York City's Lower East Side and the varying cultures of the families whose kindness make Dori's neighborhood a haven. Period jargon ("He's a drip!") adds authenticity. Dori prides herself on "not being especially sensible" while her spunk encourages readers to join in her escapades as coconspirators. Fully realized supporting characters leave a lasting impression. The third-person narration engages readers with witty asides and plot hints. Albus sidesteps embellishing an already upbeat ending, instead dangling two tantalizing threads for a sequel. Back matter includes fascinating facts about WWII-era New York City. VERDICT Historical fiction at its finest: a first purchase.—Marybeth Kozikowski - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/15/2023 After Pop is drafted and sent to Europe, reassuring his kids that their Lower East Side neighborhood will provide what they need, WWII becomes challenging for 12-year-old Dory. Her 17-year-old brother takes charge of the household, looking after Dory and her younger brother in their familiar apartment, and their neighbors are kind. The owner of a nearby restaurant gives them dinner weekly, and the baker frequently provides treats. When feeling really low, Dory asks the Statue of Liberty for help. When their supportive landlord dies, and the new one threatens to report them to the child welfare authorities, Dory dares to explore and finds an unusual living space where, she hopes, no one will find them. The author of A Place to Hang the Moon (2021), Albus creates a vividly realized setting during a period when families dreaded the loss of relatives fighting in war-torn countries. Even more memorable is the portrayal of Dory, who is worried about Pop and increasingly afraid but determined to save her family. An engaging historical novel with a rewarding conclusion. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.