Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2014 K-Gr 2—Another winner about mischievous Alexander, who this time is trying to be the Best Boy Ever after his latest disastrous escapade: eating a whole box of doughnuts. "Consequences" follow—he has to stay in his room all day on Saturday, with no electronics or TV, and he suffers a ferocious stomachache for his greediness. After an exhausting seven days of striving mightily to be the BBE (with varying results), he wakes up on Saturday, doubting that he can continue his angelic behavior forever and succumbs to another box of doughnuts. The illustrations follow original artist Roy Cruz's art perfectly, humorously portraying Alexander's struggles with his worst self. Viorst's text is right on target as usual, hilariously describing the boy's thoughts: "I'm thinking how much I love eating jelly doughnuts. And I'm thinking how much I hate having consequences. And I'm thinking I hate those consequences much, much, much, much more than I love doughnuts." On Sunday he thinks, "Everyone's still asleep, and I'm still walking around on tiptoes. But it's lonesome….And I'm thinking that if I went out the front door and rang the doorbell five, six, seven times, no one would be sleeping anymore." Kids will surely identify with Alexander's trials and tribulations—either in a group situation or at home with a long-suffering parent, who will probably get a kick out of the book, too!—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2014 Alexander, last seen in Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move (1995), returns here with a bellyache. He has eaten an entire box of donuts, earning consequences from Mom. After spending the day alone in his room, he vows to avoid future punishment by becoming “the best boy ever,” and predictably his plan goes awry. It’s really hard to be so quiet you don’t wake everyone early Sunday morning; who knew your teacher would be annoyed when you volunteered to answer every question?; and Shelly’s Music Shack might never be the same after you finish jumping around. Viorst’s rumpled hero is more loquacious this time around, with his disgruntled point of view replaced by a slight awareness of how his actions affect others. Monés’ crosshatch drawings (in the style of original illustrator Ray Cruz) feature a full-color halo-wearing Alexander and plenty of humor. Series fans will be relieved Alexander doesn’t achieve total perfection here, leaving room, hopefully, for more adventures. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.

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