Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 Gr 3–6—Annie, who feels out of the ordinary due to her exceptional memory and shyness, loves making lists so much that she keeps a notebook full of them with her all the time, organized by month. Annie's family moves from Brooklyn to Clover Gap, population 8,432. As Annie's parents adjust to home ownership and her father to a new job, Annie must find her place at her new school and learn how to get by without her best—and only—friend, Millie. Over the course of the novel, Annie uncovers the real reason her family moved, struggles to find her place in a new group of friends, and earns herself a bit of celebrity during the town's annual Clover Fest. Mahoney's novel is literally written in lists, all of which have their own titles, some with a sentence or a few paragraphs of explanation after. Annie's humor, empathy, and frankness shine through in her engaging narrative. Every character has its own distinct presence on the page, and the individual conflicts help each one feel fully developed and unique. The plot moves at a steady pace and a subplot addresses racism. While the ending is almost too neat, readers will find themselves cheering for Annie, her friends, and her family. VERDICT Even with its imperfections, the format, featuring illustrations throughout, will make it a great choice for reluctant readers.—Liz Anderson, DC Public Library - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2018 There’s nothing worse than having to move—though, actually, the worst is knowing it’s all your fault. That’s how sixth-grader Annie feels when her family leaves their beloved Brooklyn behind for middle-of-nowhere Clover Gap, population 8,432. Annie’s almost photographic memory exposes the fact that their tiny apartment is not in the district for her school, forcing her and her older brother out at the end of the school year and prompting the move. Annie’s delightfully detailed lists chronicle her first year in Clover Gap, a year full of changes, new friendships forged, old friendships tested, and new truths discovered regarding the actual cause of their move (hint: it isn’t actually Annie’s fault). The structure of Mahoney’s clever debut—it really is all told in lists—makes for a breezy, engaging read with wide appeal and accessibility for a range of reading abilities. In turns humorous and touching, its themes will resonate with many readers struggling to break out of their shells and find a home in new places. Simply charming. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

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