Bound To Stay Bound

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 Beetle & the Hollowbones
 Author: Layne, Aliza

 Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers (2020)

 Dewey: 741.5
 Classification: Nonfiction
 Physical Description: 256 p., col. ill., 24 cm

 BTSB No: 553261 ISBN: 9781534441538
 Ages: 8-12 Grades: 3-7

 Subjects:
 Graphic novels
 Witches -- Fiction
 Goblins -- Fiction
 Ghosts -- Fiction
 Magic -- Fiction

Price: $19.08

Summary:
Twelve-year-old goblin and witch-in-training Beetle enlists her former best friend, Kat Hollowbones, to help stop Kat's sorceress aunt from demolishing the mall where Beetle's friend Blob Ghost is trapped. In graphic novel format.

 Illustrator: Riess, Natalie
Acampora, Kristen


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Accelerated Reader Information:
   Interest Level: MG
   Reading Level: 3.00
   Points: 1.0   Quiz: 509120

Reviews:
   School Library Journal (+) (00/06/20)
   Booklist (+) (06/01/20)
 The Hornbook (00/09/20)

Full Text Reviews:

School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 Gr 4–8—Beetle, a 12-year-old goblin, lives with her grandmother, the helpful town witch. When she's not bored to tears being homeschooled on goblin magic, she's hanging out with her best friend, the teeny and adorable Blob Ghost, a floating, speechless, but incredibly expressive red orb who haunts the local mall. Though magical forces prevent Blob Ghost from leaving the mall, Beetle is certain that the two will always be pals—until Beetle's former best friend, Kat Hollowbone, arrives. Beetle and Kat don't get along quite the same as before—there might be feelings involved now—but Kat isn't here alone. Kat's a sorcerer's apprentice for her menacing aunt, Marla Hollowbone, who just happens to have bought out the mall. And unless Beetle and Kat do something, the mall will be demolished, with Blob Ghost still trapped inside. Cartoonist Layne makes a stellar debut. Simultaneously gorgeous and goofy, the artwork is reminiscent of the animated series Bee and Puppycat and a delicious love letter to shoujo manga. Layne's supernatural cast is fantastic, from green-skinned Beetle and her grandmother to Kat and Marla, respectively, skeletal cat and bird creatures. Characters' LGBTQ identities, such as Beetle and Kat's changing relationship, as well as the use of the they pronoun for Blob Ghost, are gently woven throughout the narrative. Relying on intersecting plotlines in lieu of a more straightforward romp, Layne conveys themes of independence, identity, and realization of one's potential. VERDICT Action-packed yet heartfelt, short and sweet yet riveting, this one is not to be missed.—Matisse Mozer, Los Angeles P.L. - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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