Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Ailey is a dancer, all the way to his bones. But when he chokes at a school audition for The Wiz, he thinks he's finished. Then his grandpa tells him something amazing: He was a tap dancer so talented that Bojangles himself gave him a special pair of shoes and a chance to audition--and Grampa choked, too. Ailey finds the shoes, tries them on, and is whisked back to 1939 Harlem where he might have the chance to change both Grampa's life and his own. Ailey's story may have elements of fantasy, but it reads like a work of realistic and historical fiction. The historical setting is well researched and immersive, making any reader feel that they, too, have plunged into 1930s Harlem. Parallels to The Wizard of Oz are unmistakable, but this is no simple retelling. Ailey and Grampa are their own heros, and Ailey's quest to get home is filled with twists and turns, raps and tap dancing. A "Black Excellence List" at the end provides extra information about the famous people and places referenced in the book. VERDICT A fast-paced story about family, bravery, and the arts, this story will have readers wanting to visit Harlem and tap alongside Ailey, Grampa, and Bojangles himself.—Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elementary School, Arlington, VA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2020 *Starred Review* Rappin’, dancing Ailey Benjamin Lane is convinced that he’s a shoo-in for the role of the Scarecrow in his middle school’s production of The Wiz. But after freezing up at his audition and finding out that his grandfather is in the hospital, Ailey isn’t so sure that the part is in his stars. Then Ailey learns that Grampa, who always advised, “Don’t let the dust settle on nothin’ you do,” has been holding on to his own disappointment—a secret until he shares his box of regret with Ailey. Inside, a pair of Bojangles Robinson’s tap shoes looks like an old man’s dream forgotten but becomes a time-travel catapult to 1939 Harlem. Together, Ailey and Grampa’s younger self, Taps, work to become better versions of themselves, learning to show up when it matters most. The only question is how changing the stars will affect the present. Henderson weaves magical realism and historical fiction together, offering hard lessons about trying and grit, alongside overwhelming love of family, a lot of laughs, and a “smidgen of magic.” Included at the end is a “Black Excellence List” offering a brief history of figures and events mentioned. Ailey’s charisma is overwhelmingly enjoyable, and his faults and missteps add relatability. Readers will revel in how he navigates the past, while also coming to understand the depth of his relationship with Grampa. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

Booklist - 04/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.