Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 Gr 3–7—This empowering sophomore novel from Giles skillfully depicts a combination of tween topics rarely seen: the challenges and joys of growing up in a multigenerational household, persevering with an absent or incarcerated parent, and the very real struggle of identifying and expressing one's emotions. Lawrence has just moved from Charlotte, NC, and a school that was mostly Black to rural Larenville to live with his granny. His ma and sister Nikko are also missing his father, who has been in and out of prison, but they know living with Granny is their best shot at making it. Lawrence gets expelled for fighting in an almost all-white school and Granny says, "a man that doesn't work doesn't eat." She's hard on him, but he pushes himself to connect to Mr. Dennis, who helps run an after-school rec club. There Lawrence finishes his seventh-grade year online and learns competitive chess. It's a mind game, living with all this shame and embarrassment, but chess teaches him to harness this power to win and to build a caring circle of family and friends. He develops his first crush on confident Twyla and finds that Deuce, the kid who was hardest on him at first, becomes his good friend. The rising action is long, but it helps readers empathize with Lawrence. The climax and resolution are quick but satisfying. Giles writes confidently about too-often misunderstood boys who act out aggressively, and satisfactorily shows the power of logic and mental strength to win. Readers will learn the value of telling their stories. VERDICT This is an all-consuming read about a young Black boy finding community and purpose. Essential middle grade and tween realistic reading.—Jamie Winchell - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2023 *Starred Review* Since his dad left the family and wound up in jail, Lawrence has had to trade his beloved Charlotte home for a small North Carolina town, move in with his exacting grandmother, and start a new middle school as one of the few Black kids in attendance, where frequent fights with bullies leave Lawrence freshly expelled. Granny insists he can’t sit at home all day, but luckily an understanding neighbor taps Lawrence to help facilitate an after-school program at the nearby rec center. A burgeoning crush leads him to the competitive chess club there, though he quickly learns that there’s far more to the game and its real-life applications than he could have imagined. Giles' rewarding story is incredibly clever and kind, and the nimble narration will draw in even reluctant readers. Relationships here follow realistic and gratifying progressions (the multigenerational house is a particular joy), and the forged bonds feel organic and true. Giles tackles a pile of tough topics—continuing school segregation, absent parents, and the frequent unfairness of life—but it never feels overstuffed or heavy. Chess proves a perfect lens through which to observe Lawrence’s struggles and growth, and the appealing protagonist is sure to inspire readers to get their hands on a game board of their own. A wise and wonderful story. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 *Starred Review* Since his dad left the family and wound up in jail, Lawrence has had to trade his beloved Charlotte home for a small North Carolina town, move in with his exacting grandmother, and start a new middle school as one of the few Black kids in attendance, where frequent fights with bullies leave Lawrence freshly expelled. Granny insists he can’t sit at home all day, but luckily an understanding neighbor taps Lawrence to help facilitate an after-school program at the nearby rec center. A burgeoning crush leads him to the competitive chess club there, though he quickly learns that there’s far more to the game and its real-life applications than he could have imagined. Giles' rewarding story is incredibly clever and kind, and the nimble narration will draw in even reluctant readers. Relationships here follow realistic and gratifying progressions (the multigenerational house is a particular joy), and the forged bonds feel organic and true. Giles tackles a pile of tough topics—continuing school segregation, absent parents, and the frequent unfairness of life—but it never feels overstuffed or heavy. Chess proves a perfect lens through which to observe Lawrence’s struggles and growth, and the appealing protagonist is sure to inspire readers to get their hands on a game board of their own. A wise and wonderful story. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.