Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 Gr 4–7—When Claire Ladd overhears her friend Ronan's joke, "You know you live in a trailer park when…", she is knocked senseless. She and Ronan both know very well what trailer park life is like, as they both live in one. During the summer before turning 12, Claire's world sees an earthquake of changes, shaking her once simplistic life to near shambles. When her best friend Brianna moves into a mansion, complete with a pool and basement theater, the two begin to notice the major differences between them. Next, Eden, Brianna's older cousin, waltzes into town like a runway model with style, perfectly pink lips, and amazing hair, threatening not just Claire's self-confidence but also her friendships. Walker vividly describes trailer park life, showing the good with the bad, from Ronan's dysfunctional father to the beauty and strength of the close relationships created in Twin Pines Trailer Park. VERDICT Realistic fiction set in a trailer park is unusual; many kids will see themselves reflected in Claire and Ronan. Recommended for most collections, especially where contemporary, realistic coming-of-age stories are needed.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2018 It’s the summer before seventh grade when, reportedly, “everything changes.” But for not-quite-12-year-old Claire, painful changes have already begun, particularly within her two longtime friendships. In the trailer next door, Ronan seems off-balance and withdrawn since the return of his father, whose depression casts a shadow over his wife and son. And Brianna, whose wealthy family has recently moved to a large house, seems more distant after the arrival of her beautiful, biracial cousin. Claire’s divorced but stable parents are a steadying influence as she navigates her first boy-girl party, experiences jealousy, and figures out what it takes to be a friend. Written in Claire’s voice, the story vividly captures the off-kilter expectations and emotions that arise during the awkward shift from childhood to the teen years. With good dialogue and use of details, the writing offers believable portrayals of the three main characters, each facing different challenges and responding in individual ways. Claire’s concerns about her friends are resolved only after a realistic amount of reflection, good will, and effort. A satisfying chapter book. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.