Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 10/01/2024 Visiting her father’s birthplace, Isfahan in Iran, a young girl enjoys exploring the city, learning about its history, and spending time with friends and relatives, including her grandmother and great-grandmother. After speaking with his childhood friends, one Jewish and one Christian, of Armenian descent, the father is quiet but does not share his feelings. He and his daughter play together and have treats to lighten the mood. Aspects of the culture are introduced with enough context clues that they are understandable for readers with no background knowledge, although a glossary and an author’s note provide useful further information. Gloriously colored mixed-media illustrations portray the variety of religious structures (temple, mosque, church, synagogue) and the affluent home with a courtyard, pool, and stables. The child’s perspective is maintained effectively as she enjoys the animals and describes many foods. In describing her own childhood experiences, the author presents a story to be read on simple terms (a family visit) or as an exploration of many groups of people over time forming a complicated community. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.