Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 02/01/2015 Gr 7–10—Thirteen-year-old Stewart and 14-year-old Ashley could not be more different. Stewart is a quirky, gifted intellectual who is coping with the loss of his mother, while Ashley is a popular fashionista still reeling from her parents' divorce—brought about by her father's announcement that he is gay. When a serious relationship develops between Stewart's father and Ashley's mother, the two teens find themselves living under the same roof. By turns humorous and heartbreaking, the story is told in alternating chapters narrated by both protagonists. In comparison to Stewart, Ashley is somewhat underdeveloped, but the contrast between the two characters makes for a compelling read, particularly as they begin to challenge and influence each other. Their overlapping journeys will leave readers with much to think about, as Nielsen unflinchingly tackles issues such as bullying, bigotry, and tolerance; the true nature of friendship; and what it means to be a family. The book will appeal to fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder (Random, 2012) and Jo Knowles's See You at Harry's(Candlewick, 2012). VERDICT This work of realistic fiction should find a place in most libraries serving teens.—Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Abington School District, PA - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2015 When 13-year-old Stewart’s father moves in with Ashley’s mother, there are naturally some hurdles to be faced. However, Stewart seems to be much more excited at the prospect of having a sister than Ashley is about the new “freakazoid” in her life. Stewart has trouble adapting to his new school, a real change from his private academy for gifted learners. Finding friends is tough, but even tougher are the bullies, especially the guys in Stewart’s gym class who seem determined to embarrass him. Stewart and Ashley narrate their stories in alternating chapters, a technique that highlights the very different perspective each brings to the story. For example, while Ashley is absolutely dazzled by Jared, Stewart knows that Jared’s interest extends only to conquest. Ashley, meanwhile, tends to see only how the actions of others are an inconvenience for her. Sexuality, sexual orientation, and sexual development all play a role. Nielsen employs humor to ease tension, and despite the heavy topics, Ashley’s malapropisms will cause some grins. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.

Bulletin for the Center... - 07/01/2015 Despite having lost his mother to cancer two years ago and despite his social awkwardness, thirteen-year-old Stewart is an eternal optimist. When his father announces that he and Stewart will be moving in with his father’s girlfriend and her daughter, Ashley, Stewart is “89.9 percent” excited, especially about the prospect of finally having a sister. Queen bee Ashley, unfortunately, is unwelcoming, enraged that “freakazoid” Stewart is invading her house and still terrified that her A-lister friends will discover the real reason her parents split a few years ago—her dad’s gay. The trials and tribulations of blending a family are brought into sharp but humorous relief here, and Nielsen deftly inserts mini-dramas between the various adults, making it clear that it’s not just the kids who have to make some adjustments. Stewart’s the geeky nerd who builds models of the Eiffel Tower for fun and names his cat Schrödinger, and Ashley’s the popularity-obsessed snob who is not necessarily the sharpest knife in the drawer, but as narration alternates between the two they get a bit more depth. The comedy comes too often at Ashley’s expense, however, and it’s obvious that Stewart is the good guy here and Ashley is the one who needs to learn a lesson, a lesson didactically learned only after a near sexual assault by an arrogant jock makes her see sense. Still, there’s a lot of insight here into what makes families tick, what makes them collapse, and what brings them back together, so fans of realistic dramedies will find plenty to think and laugh over. KQG - Copyright 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

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