Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 Gr 2–4—In this series addition, Tola and her family face the challenges of COVID-19. The Nigerian girl lives in a run-down room in Lagos with her Grandmommy, braniac sister Moji, and mechanic brother Dapo. One day, the talk turns to countries like London having their citizens lockdown in their home. Grandmommy feels like that this would not happen in Nigeria because of people needing to work desperately to survive. Soon enough, the lockdown reaches Lagos, and citizens are told by the police to remain at home. Moji's teacher comes to collect her so she can stay with her and keep up with schoolwork. Dapo's boss also comes to get him so he can continue to work on cars. Once both her siblings leave, Tola and Grandmommy grow despondent. As Tola and Grandmommy start to run out of food and money, their neighbor Mr. Abdul suggests Tola go work for a wealthy family, the Diamonds, who need a house girl. Tola begins to adapt to her job. She happens to see that the receipts for the Diamonds's generator oil don't add up, and informs Mr. Diamond. He is so happy that Tola stopped him from being robbed that he gives her enough money for three years of Grandmommy's rent, and the girl gets to finally reunite with her beloved family. Atinuke's stories interweave with Iwu's charming illustrations so effortlessly that readers will be enthralled by the Tola's timely adventures. VERDICT This gives readers and their families a big message of hope, strength, and triumph in this series addition about COVID-19. - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.