Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/23/2023 K-Gr 3—Blending the picture book and comic book formats, author and illustrator deliver a resonant story of Bobby Beacon, a Black kid with awesome superhero powers of light and fire. Because of his struggle in controlling his abilities, Bobby enrolls in a special academy for kids with special abilities, almost setting the school bus on fire on his first day because of a mean bus driver. Initially, the teachers don't seem to help or understand their students either, causing a girl named Pause to get expelled, and provoking Bobby into another fiery episode. Miss Brooklyn, a new, more empathetic teacher clad in Kente cloth turban and skirt, helps Bobby by making him feel more seen and at peace with himself. A sudden appearance of the institute for Supervillains at the school assembly threatens the young superhero's newfound friendships and mastery of his abilities. In an attempt to recruit Bobby for the evil side, Headmaster Chaos and Pause appeal to his outcast status. Their overtures do not succeed as Bobby's strong sense of self and belonging helps him triumph over the baddies and return Pause to the academy. Martinbrough's action-filled illustrations imbue the story with fun, nearly cinematic energy, masterfully juxtaposing panels with full-bleed illustrations, as well as a variety of shifting angles and points of view. VERDICT Fun, topical, and inspiring without being saccharine, a great choice for most collections.—Yelena Voysey - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/23/2023 *Starred Review* Extraordinary Bobby Beacon has the power to create light and fire at will, and he's a new student at the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities, a school for heroes in training, where he hopes to learn how to better control his abilities. Unfortunately, his first day does not go quite as planned. Instead of helping him succeed, many of the school’s staff members are quick to see the worst in him. After Bobby accidentally melts his chair, he winds up in the principal’s office, where he is told that if he is unable to control his powers, he could be sent to the Institute for Supervillians. But a new teacher—one who looks more like him and understands his struggle—works to build him up and patiently helps him develop the skills he needs. Barnes, Martinbrough, and Lucas' smart and engaging book (which could be equally at home in the picture-book section) uses the metaphor of superpowers to explore commonly misunderstood behavior in children and emphasize the importance of guiding them with compassion and understanding instead of punishment. Martinbrough and Lucas' superhero-comics style is perfectly matched to the subject matter. Wonderfully elevating and empowering the voices and needs of Black children in particular, this book's message of the importance of genuine nurture and support will ring true for just about any kid. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.