Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 07/14/2025 Baron (The Gray) blends elements of ecological mystery and survival story in this emotionally gripping and jam-packed verse novel about two eco-conscious tweens’ experience with displacement, trauma, and recovery. Studious eighth grader Finn is never without his field journal, in which he catalogs the flora and fauna of the state park forest on the edge of his small Northern California town. He’s also rarely without his best pal Rabbit, an equally driven environmentalist, and her faithful pup, Thorn. But the duo’s plans for sharing the wonders of the forest via a class project centered on the footage from the camera they’ve erected on the trail is derailed when they must evacuate ahead of a wildfire. In the weeks that follow, Finn contends with nightmares, lack of focus, and escalating anxiety. Then Rabbit discovers that their trail camera may have captured evidence of the fire’s source, which could be linked to the construction site where Finn’s father was recently hired. Copious details about dangerous fire conditions, first responder efforts, and the characters navigating PTSD will leave readers informed, while empowering depictions of the protagonists’ activism will inspire hope that healing from disaster is possible. Finn’s family cues as white and Jewish; Rabbit’s family is from the Philippines. Ages 8-12. (July) - Copyright 2025