Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 02/24/2025 Lin (When the Mountain Meets the Moon) combines ancient and contemporary Chinese lore in this visually stunning tale about a girl, a lion cub, and a worm who must retrieve a lost sacred object to reconnect the mortal and spirit worlds. Jin is a Gongshi, a Stone Lion guardian charged with watching over humans and protecting the Sacred Sphere, which powers the gate between realms. Bored of these duties, Jin prefers to perfect his athletic abilities instead. But when a rogue kick knocks the Sacred Sphere through the portal, he gives chase, trapping himself in the human world. Stuck in diminutive lion cub form, Jin allies with mortal tween Lulu, who can hear a mysterious voice, and a mustachioed worm claiming to be a dragon. Together, they must return the sphere to the gate. Unknown to them, however, they’re up against a shadowy specter’s own agenda. Vibrantly colorful full-page gouache pieces depict ethereal happenings, and foreshadowing chapter openers feature key objects or places. Skillfully woven adventure injects excitement into the trio’s expansive journey, during which they learn lessons on love, duty, growing up, and the meaning of home. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/18/2025 Gr 4–7—In the spirit world, the Sacred Sphere rests on a pedestal in the Stone Lion's house, the key to keeping the gate open between the spirit and human worlds. Jin, the lion cub, has no interest in guarding the Sphere or keeping watch over the humans; those tasks are nowhere near as fun as kicking the zuqiu ball with his friends. But when a sulking Jin knocks the Sphere over, he sends it into the human world and severs its connection with the gate. Now, Jin is stuck. He befriends Lulu, a girl who can hear a strange voice, and a worm claiming to be a dragon. The three of them must reclaim the Sphere, or the connection will be lost forever. This book weaves Chinese lore with the modern world, connecting characters and events in a way that demonstrates Lin's prowess as a storyteller. Readers will rapidly turn pages, wanting to know what the Sculptor is up to or if there really is a woman trapped inside the bell. The story pushes deeper, too, exploring themes of loss, change, and greed, most notably what the desperation of grief can push someone to do. The unique cast of characters—a stone lion, a worm who might be a dragon, and many more—come to life as vividly as the spirit world, staying with readers long after the story ends. VERDICT This fantastical tale of stone spirits, dragons, and humans is an enchanting must-have for any school library.—Kristin Brynsvold - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.