Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2023 Aptly named, the Dangerous Jobs series (6 titles) presents the history, challenges, and reality of more difficult career paths. Here readers dive into the world of underwater construction, where they’ll get a glimpse of this occupation’s daily work (tightening bolts, using power tools) and inherent dangers, which must all be navigated while wearing goggles and an oxygen tank. The volume works well at helping readers anticipate new sections, providing a thoughtful introduction to chapter books. Surprising facts about the long-standing history of underwater construction (since at least the 1500s!) pair with simplified diagrams of gear and interspersed vocabulary definitions. A concluding profile on Singapore’s first woman professional diver, who now does underwater construction, rounds out this high/low introduction to an unusual job that is sure to intrigue many. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2023 Gr 1–3—Some of the world's most dangerous jobs, and the brave people who do them, are highlighted in this hi-lo series. Readers will marvel at the action-packed visuals which showcase the thrilling daily lives of smoke jumpers, fighter pilots, ice road truckers, race car drivers, stunt performers, and underwater construction workers. Notable about this series is that it profiles real people working in each job and the challenges and opportunities they face, helping readers put what they learn into context. These books do a great job of integrating relevant details about each career, such as how climate change impacts ice road truckers or why there will be fewer stunt performers in the future because of advances in computer technology and special effects, allowing readers to better understand not only these careers but the world around them. VERDICT A versatile hi-lo series that will excite and entertain beginning and early readers. - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.