Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2021 This picture book tells the true story of a group of boys in Thailand who build themselves a floating soccer field. The boys live in a small fishing village, where dry land is scarce, and they're frustrated because their games are restricted to monthly low tides when a sandbar would briefly appear. Working on their own, the boys start collecting anything that will float and hammer it together. They use fishing nets for goals, and while their improvised field isn't pretty, it works. Impressed, the village adults surprise the boys with real uniforms when they go to compete in an inland soccer tournament, where they take third place. All this action is gloriously illustrated in vivid, full-page illustrations that capture the boys' joyous games. One of the original team members appears in a photo at the end of the book, along with updated information, a glossary of soccer terms in Thai, and further-reading sources. This inspiring tale will appeal to soccer fans, of course, but also has applications for problem solving and determination. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2021 Gr 2–5—In the Thai fishing village of Koh Panyee, Prasit and his friends can play their favorite game only twice a month. They must rely on the phases of the moon to go out to a sandbar when the tides are in their favor. But their irrepressible passion for football (soccer) keeps them from giving up, especially when they huddle around the single island television to watch an underdog team win the World Cup. Ignoring naysayers and fueled with enthusiasm and ingenuity, the boys come up with a plan. Their floating field created with repurposed scrap materials enables them to begin a daily practice regimen, form the Panyee Football Club, qualify to compete in a tournament on the mainland, and earn the admiration of their whole village. Vibrant artwork in rich, concentrated color conveys energy and joy. References to local foods and adult women wearing hijabs depict the regional culture and predominant faith. A note by the real Prasit Hemmin enhances the authenticity of this illustrated account of his own story. Additional back matter includes a map, photos, and bilingual chart with soccer terminology. VERDICT This is a story that presents kids as true problem solvers. Its message will spark conversations at home and in the classroom, and its makerspace connection makes it an excellent STEM resource.—Gloria Koster, formerly at West Sch., New Canaan, CT - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.