Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/03/2023 Gr 3–6—Avery Lee is the second oldest in a Korean American family of seven kids. She loves her siblings but feels overwhelmed by them, like when her teenage brother seems extra grumpy or when her sister keeps her up at night. When Theo gets his own room, a disappointed Avery presents a plan to her parents for why she needs her own space. Even when the plan doesn't fly and toddler Max gets added to her room, Avery pivots to earning money to build her own bedroom in the basement. Between adventures in dog walking and lemonade selling, her goals are upended when Theo lets it slip that they might be moving to Oregon. Avery's emotions about the potential move impact her family life, her friendships, and her art. Through the story, Avery tries to create a piece for the art fair and uses her art to center herself in the ruckus of the Lee family. While the story is focused on Avery's relationship with her brothers and sisters, there are also plenty of relatable friendship dynamics, as when her friend Dani makes a new close friend over the summer. Avery's plights are amusing and approachable, with art from Nutter that is gentle and light-filled. The chaos and love of the house is captured adroitly in the panels. VERDICT This engaging graphic novel tackles very real feelings and will keep readers invested in Avery's life. Highly recommended—Gretchen Hardin - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 03/03/2023 Gr 3–6—Avery Lee is the second oldest in a Korean American family of seven kids. She loves her siblings but feels overwhelmed by them, like when her teenage brother seems extra grumpy or when her sister keeps her up at night. When Theo gets his own room, a disappointed Avery presents a plan to her parents for why she needs her own space. Even when the plan doesn't fly and toddler Max gets added to her room, Avery pivots to earning money to build her own bedroom in the basement. Between adventures in dog walking and lemonade selling, her goals are upended when Theo lets it slip that they might be moving to Oregon. Avery's emotions about the potential move impact her family life, her friendships, and her art. Through the story, Avery tries to create a piece for the art fair and uses her art to center herself in the ruckus of the Lee family. While the story is focused on Avery's relationship with her brothers and sisters, there are also plenty of relatable friendship dynamics, as when her friend Dani makes a new close friend over the summer. Avery's plights are amusing and approachable, with art from Nutter that is gentle and light-filled. The chaos and love of the house is captured adroitly in the panels. VERDICT This engaging graphic novel tackles very real feelings and will keep readers invested in Avery's life. Highly recommended—Gretchen Hardin - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2023 *Starred Review* The best-selling creators of Allergic are back with an all-new story about handling change at a young age. Korean American Avery Lee lives in Hickory Valley, Maryland, and though she struggles with feelings caused from being squished in a house with her six other siblings, she loves her town. She shares a room with her sister Pearl and infant brother, Max, but she dreams of having her very own room away from all the noise and distractions, where she can be free to focus on her art. When she learns that her friend Cameron’s family is building a bedroom in their basement, she’s inspired to spend the summer before sixth grade raising money for a similar project at her own house. But change is on the horizon, and it might ruin her plans. Nutter’s warm and appealing artwork comically captures the crowded chaos of the Lee household and the matter-of-fact diversity of the town, and the sun-dappled visuals will appeal to anyone who loves the work of Raina Telgemeier or Shannon Hale. Avery’s ingenuity and determination are truly charming, and the message that, though change is scary and unavoidable, it often has its positives, is a great one for the target age group. This stirring and dynamic graphic novel is sure to win a lot of hearts. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/03/2023 Gr 3–6—Avery Lee is the second oldest in a Korean American family of seven kids. She loves her siblings but feels overwhelmed by them, like when her teenage brother seems extra grumpy or when her sister keeps her up at night. When Theo gets his own room, a disappointed Avery presents a plan to her parents for why she needs her own space. Even when the plan doesn't fly and toddler Max gets added to her room, Avery pivots to earning money to build her own bedroom in the basement. Between adventures in dog walking and lemonade selling, her goals are upended when Theo lets it slip that they might be moving to Oregon. Avery's emotions about the potential move impact her family life, her friendships, and her art. Through the story, Avery tries to create a piece for the art fair and uses her art to center herself in the ruckus of the Lee family. While the story is focused on Avery's relationship with her brothers and sisters, there are also plenty of relatable friendship dynamics, as when her friend Dani makes a new close friend over the summer. Avery's plights are amusing and approachable, with art from Nutter that is gentle and light-filled. The chaos and love of the house is captured adroitly in the panels. VERDICT This engaging graphic novel tackles very real feelings and will keep readers invested in Avery's life. Highly recommended—Gretchen Hardin - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.