Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/27/2026 Gr 3–7—Camlot scores a hat trick with this timely exploration of how the world's most popular sport can lead the charge in global sustainability. The book moves beyond simple recycling tips to examine the complex, visceral relationship between major league athletics and the environment. The narrative provides an insightful look at how sports are both a victim and a cause of climate change, explaining concepts like the greenhouse effect and greenwashing with exceptional clarity. The quality of information is top-tier, appealing to a broad range of niche interests. For the engineering-minded, the text details modular drag and drop stadiums and Nigeria's kinetic energy tiles that power floodlights through the motion of running players. Scientific-minded readers will find value in the data regarding carbon dioxide emissions from international travel and how organic waste in landfills produces planet-warming methane. Sports enthusiasts are treated to the history of Game Zero, the world's first net-zero carbon match, and the conservation efforts of clubs like KAA Gent. Shannon's vibrant, colorful illustrations are vital to the storytelling, using a diverse cast of children and athletes to ground technical concepts in a global context. The artwork effectively conveys the scale of modern stadiums while visually illustrating technical solutions like water filtration pitches. Robust back matter includes a game plan for immediate reader action. VERDICT A unique, multidisciplinary, and visually engaging addition to any school library. It successfully bridges the gap between STEM and sports, making it a vital tool for engaging diverse audiences in the climate conversation.—Richard Winters - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2026 A narrator addresses a reader who is attending an exciting soccer competition. Though thrilled by the players’ skills and the fans’ enthusiasm, the narrator also raises hopes and concerns about soccer’s role in saving Earth from the effects of global warming. Generally considered to be the most popular sport in the world, soccer is also one of the most problematic because its carbon footprint is huge. Soccer fields are green because they are watered frequently, sometimes with potable water, even in places where droughts make safe drinking water scarce. Also, teams usually travel to important games by airplane, which creates more pollution than alternate forms of transportation. Some players, clubs, and fans are urging decision-makers in soccer organizations to make thoughtful choices that will protect the planet, host communities, and individuals from harm. On informative, thought-provoking pages that address everything from food waste to weather tracking, Camlot urges soccer fans to oppose ongoing environmental threats and work to heal the planet. This resounding call for action is especially pertinent as preparations ramp up for the 2026 World Cup. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.