Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2015 Gr 3–6—Nutley, a young red squirrel, lives with his doting parents on a small English farm. He longs to explore the outside world: ask questions, explore, perhaps even be as Dangerous as the gray squirrels who have overrun the farm and pose a threat to the reds. Their threat is realized when grays attack and kill Nutley's parents. He is forced to seek refuge in the neighboring landfill where Larie, a seagull, and Naw, a rat help Nutley realize he has more courage than he thinks and that kindness and friendship are more important than being Dangerous. Yolen's clear voice is a benevolent presence, strongly felt in "This You Should Know" paragraphs, which open each chapter. They offer scientific facts about red and gray squirrels along with whimsical speculations which encourage readers to look for meaning behind the facts. Middle grade readers will relate to Nutley's chafing against well-intentioned parental restrictions and his eagerness to discover the complexities of the world. The deceptively simple story, enhanced by rich vocabulary and elegant prose, encourages deeper thought: "There is more meaning here if you would have it be so." Larie and Naw are endearing supporting characters and Yolen has fun naming Naw's rat-children, from "Nawshus" to "Nawmal" and "Nawty." Rustic, finely detailed black-and-white illustrations by Monroe reinforce the novel's environmental subplot; endpapers map helps readers visualize Nutley's world. A quiet gem from a master storyteller.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2015 Prolific children’s author Yolen offers a fable about accepting others in spite of their differences and respecting the natural environment. Imaginative and inquisitive Nutley is a tiny red squirrel. In an attempt to become more daring and worldly, he leaves the safety of his family’s nest and sets out for Trash Mountain, the local landfill. Smelly, inhospitable, and lawless, the landfill is teeming with rats, gulls, and mean gray squirrels who dislike outsiders. Nutley must make unlikely alliances in order to navigate the dangers of Trash Mountain and overcome his enemies. After each chapter a “this you should know” summary provides facts about the species mentioned in the book and about the effects of dumping some of the objects found on Trash Mountain. Simple but winsome black-and-white illustrations highlight the action, and appropriately portioned chapters make this book a perfect selection for the reader who is new to novels. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.