Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 07/23/2023 *Starred Review* Perfectly blending hilariously brazen kid confidence with a poignant multigenerational story of growth and change, Martín’s graphic memoir explores his childhood in a big “somewhat American” and “somewhat Mexican” family, centered on a road trip to Mexico to bring their abuelito from Jalisco to their house in America. The seventh of nine children, Pedro (American-style name: Peter) is mostly oblivious to the serious conversations among the adults and older siblings in his family, but in between arguments with brothers, terrible haircuts, and witnessing his father’s incredible ability to find just the right person to help, he gradually realizes there’s a much more important purpose to their journey. Martín packs each page with self-deprecating observations about himself and his family, and while they’re nearly all wry, they’re also touched with genuine affection. His bright and colorful artwork is also a sheer delight: while mythologizing his abuelito, he switches to a classic superhero-comic art style, complete with benday dots, while more somber scenes are rendered in a softer palette and line quality. There’s much to savor here, from the thoughtful exploration of bicultural identity to the good-natured snarky teasing of siblings to pivotal moments of growth amid guileless kidhood. It's a tightrope balancing act of antic humor and genuine pathos, and Martín pulls it off with tremendous flair. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2023 Gr 5–8—In 1977, young Pedro Martín is preparing, alongside his eight siblings and parents, to embark on a road trip from California to Mexico to help his abuelito take care of an important task before bringing him back to the U.S. to live with them. Martín's memoir is an unpredictable fusion of humorous and reflective moments in his early life that gives fascinating insights into his family's many stories while hinting at larger cultural questions and histories. Although Martín's siblings and parents are ever-present, the heart of the story surrounds Martín's abuelito and their distanced but invested relationship. The story's art is vibrant, with a retro palette comprised of golds, teals, and oranges with bursts of rainbow-inspired colors in scenes featuring Mexico. Martín plays with the art styles, mixing his lined illustrations with pixel dot art for depicting heroic, largely dramatized family stories and a softer, khaki-tinted style to depict moments from his father and grandfather's past. The Spanish language is regularly featured and is conveyed in multiple ways: directly without translation, directly with footnote translations, and representationally via punctuation. Most characters are Mexican or Mexican American; a U.S. Border Patrol agent appears to be white. Back matter includes photos of Martín's family, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. VERDICT An always entertaining story about the trials and joys of family. Recommended.—Alea Perez - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.