Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 02/01/2013 Gr 4–6—Henri Bell lives with his Great-Aunt Georgie on a farm in America in 1890. His father has been missing for three years, last seen in Malaya, and his mother has stayed in London. There is little there for him to do except look through Georgie's button collection, at least until he discovers that he has a secret: he can talk to insects. With the help of Dom, a Musca domestica (common housefly), he learns of a vicious new species in the insect world: Goliathus hercules. Soon after, Henri joins Maestro Antonio's traveling flea circus, where his secret is soon found out. He also finds himself on the run from his great-aunt's evil neighbor, who is following him. He searches for Goliathus hercules, which takes him on a quest halfway around the world, hoping to be in time to stop the species from being used in a sinister plot. This book is well thought out and a joy to read. Children will find Henri and all of his insect friends to be relatable characters. It is a grand adventure, one full of excitement and plenty of questions to keep readers engaged.—Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy Lib., Houston, TX - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2013 In 1890 England, 10-year-old Henri discovers that not only can he communicate with insects but that he, too, is among their tribe. Debut author Angus builds this fantastical premise with well-placed scenes in which Henri’s own deep skepticism cleverly encourages the reader to join willingly in his discoveries, which include a housefly that can read and members of a flea circus whose performance improves when Henri translates the ringmaster’s orders. Even as his concerns become increasingly concentrated on the small world of insects, his world seems to grow. The disappearance of Henri’s father creates a framing mystery that builds on the themes of identity and metamorphosis and wraps up in a satisfying and original denouement. Illustrated with period postcards and other historical images, this moving, well-conceived novel blends the spirit of Franz Kafka and the sly humor of Eva Ibbotson and is accessible for new fantasy readers while offering something different to established fantasy fans. - Copyright 2013 Booklist.

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