Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/30/2024 Gr 10 Up—The topic of equality in sports between women and men, especially on pay, is the focus of Rusch's nonfiction book. Touching on the passage of Title IX and specific sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, the book profiles the contributions of women who not only sought equal pay but also to raise awareness that their games were advertised less, sponsored unequally, and that simple accommodations at home and abroad were subpar to men. The intention of showcasing the work done but also recognizing that there is much more that needs to be accomplished, is apparent. Rusch uses her research skills and passion for nonfiction texts for teens to bring awareness about advocacy to a younger generation, one that has reaped rewards but has yet to achieve true equality. Where this work doesn't reach its intended audience is in the writing that reads dryly with plenty of facts, names, and events, but without the necessary intensity to propel it. Extensive back matter, mined source notes, and quotes will prove helpful for teens conducting research, yet it lacks the excitement of a true narrative nonfiction that will leave teens eager to uncover the backstory. VERDICT This work profiles women's equality in sports like a book about women's suffrage or education and provides a perspective on the historical and contemporary vantage point of those topics: important to know.—Alicia Abdul - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.