Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2022 Gabe usually feels like an outcast at school, so when an old friend suggests they hang out, Gabe's in good spirits. But his friend brings class show-off Taylor, who starts to grate on Gabe's nerves. Gabe makes some bad decisions, including shoplifting fireworks and shooting them haphazardly outside, resulting in a forest fire. The fire quickly gets out of control and Gabe is caught and taken to the police station. He must face a community board and commit to restitution and community service. As Gabe's story unfolds, readers learn more about a coyote named Rill who was severely burned during the fire and is hiding in a cave, gathering her strength to find her family. Meanwhile, Gabe and his family are finding it difficult to get along as he distances himself from those who love him. Gabe encounters the coyote during his community service and desperately wants to help, bringing her food and water. As he cares for Rill, Gabe starts to understand how much the land means to people, and attempts to restore the forest and his fractured family. Overall, this book has excellent messaging about navigating friendship challenges, dealing with hard consequences, and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people. Gabe is cued as white. VERDICT A solid addition to middle grade collections; best suited for animal lovers and students interested in realistic fiction.—Erin Olsen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2022 This tale of two misunderstood kids centers on Gabe, a 12-year-old boy whose family and friends are preoccupied by everything but him, and Rill, a young coyote tasked with watching her pack's pups. When Gabe tries to impress his friends by stealing fireworks, he accidentally sparks a fire that destroys a park and its surrounding area. Caught in the flames, Rill nurses her wounds in one of the park's caves. They meet while Gabe is doing his restorative justice work, cleaning up the park damage. Readers will see Gabe transform as he works off his time, building skills and character. Ultimately, he draws the community together to advocate for Rill's release back into the wild. Will they succeed in their efforts? Lorentz illustrates how change can come from pain and that there is a path forward, even from the worst situations. The characters and friendships are realistic, as are the emotions Gabe feels. An accessible example of positive approaches to restoration and an excellent tale of relationships and community. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.