Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2018 Gr 2–5—A child's fascination with swimming in the ocean leads to important work in his adulthood. This picture book biography touches on useful lessons beyond the fall and rise of the world's coral reefs. Messner begins and ends the story with a potent line: "It starts with one." Following a short introduction to coral reefs, Messner quickly turns to Ken Nedimyer's Floridian childhood and his love of aquatic life. ("At one point he had thirty aquariums in his bedroom, all bursting with life"). Nedimyer continued to pursue his love of the ocean, first in live rock farming, which then led to his successful efforts in growing corals and replenishing reefs. There's a lot to this story, and at the same time it's a quick brush of science, conservation, and a life well lived. The early years of Nedimyer's life are simply told, but readers may be a bit lost from the start if they aren't already familiar with coral and algae. The concluding glossary is pretty technical. Teachers and librarians would do well to pair this with any of the fine children's books on coral reefs listed in the bibliography. Forsythe's broad pastel sketches sweep viewers along nicely through ocean life and human work. Explanations of coral reef decline and ways children can help urge monetary contributions to the work of restoring the reefs conclude this riveting title. VERDICT A book that can be used in so many ways—a study in biography, science, conservation, and volunteerism. A must for nonfiction collections.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2018 Growing up, Ken Nedimyer enjoyed watching Jacques Cousteau on TV, snorkeling in the Florida Keys, and maintaining the many aquariums in his bedroom. One hot summer when he was older, he noticed that the coral reefs he loved were dying. Years later, operating a live rock farm (growing invertebrates such as algae and sponges for aquariums), Ken and his daughter tried a new idea: gluing small coral colonies to limestone surfaces that had once supported a healthy reef. The transported coral grew, reproduced, and flourished, offering hope for reef restoration around the world. Messner brings a good story to light and chooses intriguing facts and ideas to include. She points out that although Ken’s father was a NASA engineer and the boy watched space-bound rockets taking off near their home, it was the ocean that captivated him and led to his life’s work. Ken’s gradual growth from boy to man is evident mainly in Forsythe’s strong, expressive, luminous illustrations, which include many underwater scenes showing divers in action. An engaging and informative picture book. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

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