Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2021 *Starred Review* Isabella is excited for her first day of school in a new country, because she knows it means making new friends. She misses those she left behind in Colombia, not to mention her father, who is waiting for permission to join Isabella, her mother, and her grandmother in the U.S. On the much-anticipated day, Isabella wakes up early only to be confronted by snow blanketing the ground and fluttering through the air like butterflies. When she learns that school is canceled, she is heartbroken. As she sits by the window, Isabella sees a young girl fall in the snow. Isabella quickly puts on her coat and boots and runs outside, where she finds the girl is actually making a snow angel. The girl invites Isabella to join her. “I don’t know all her words,” Isabella narrates, “but I understand enough.” She happily flops onto the snow and helps her new friend build a snowman, complete with sombrero vueltiao and rauna (poncho). Drawing upon Betancourt-Perez’s immigration experience, this story contains many of the emotions children may feel when settling into life in a new country. Instead of portraying Spanish as a linguistic barrier for Isabella, the cheerful illustrations (created with crayon, acrylic paint, and Photoshop) show how the girls’ fun transcends this difference. A glossary of Spanish words and an author’s note further enrich this heartwarming story. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2021 PreS-Gr 1—There's a lot to look forward to on the first day of school, but not necessarily for Isabella. She's recently immigrated from Colombia to the United States with her mother and grandmother. Her father is still in South America, "waiting for permission to travel." Isabella's family doesn't have a firm grasp of English yet, but she is hopeful, preparing her outfit and a fresh box of crayons that she will share with all of her new friends on the big day. Then a snowstorm wipes all of Isabella's hopes away. The school is closed. Her one chance at making a connection in this unfamiliar land is gone. Will a chance encounter with another girl outside in the dazzling white turn everything around? The authors craft a simply told, tenderhearted tale of friendship found when least expected. Spanish dialogue is woven seamlessly into the story, bolstered by contextual clues that will allow nonfluent readers to understand the text. Language dissonance and culture shock, more than snowstorm, are at the heart of Isabella's conflict, and the authors beautifully demonstrate how children are able to see each other for who they really are when given the chance. Maldonado's cheery illustrations are appropriately rendered in crayon and acrylic paint; Isabella herself is an inveterate crayon artist. The authors also include enlightening notes regarding their own family histories and writing partnership, as well as a glossary of Spanish terms appearing in the text. VERDICT A sweet and gently poignant title that would make a lovely addition to collections underscoring the hopeful side of the immigrant experience.—Jose Cruz, Shannon Staub P.L., North Port, FL - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.