Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 07/14/2025 Baron (The Gray) blends elements of ecological mystery and survival story in this emotionally gripping and jam-packed verse novel about two eco-conscious tweens’ experience with displacement, trauma, and recovery. Studious eighth grader Finn is never without his field journal, in which he catalogs the flora and fauna of the state park forest on the edge of his small Northern California town. He’s also rarely without his best pal Rabbit, an equally driven environmentalist, and her faithful pup, Thorn. But the duo’s plans for sharing the wonders of the forest via a class project centered on the footage from the camera they’ve erected on the trail is derailed when they must evacuate ahead of a wildfire. In the weeks that follow, Finn contends with nightmares, lack of focus, and escalating anxiety. Then Rabbit discovers that their trail camera may have captured evidence of the fire’s source, which could be linked to the construction site where Finn’s father was recently hired. Copious details about dangerous fire conditions, first responder efforts, and the characters navigating PTSD will leave readers informed, while empowering depictions of the protagonists’ activism will inspire hope that healing from disaster is possible. Finn’s family cues as white and Jewish; Rabbit’s family is from the Philippines. Ages 8-12. (July) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 08/29/2025 Gr 5 Up—When a catastrophic wildfire strikes Redwood Hollows, eighth grader Finn and his best friend Rabbit are forced to evacuate, leaving behind their homes, their beloved forest, and a sense of safety they may never fully recover. Returning weeks later to scorched landscapes and a scattered community, Finn struggles with nightmares, anxiety, and a persistent question: how do you hold onto hope when everything has burned? Baron's verse novel is emotionally resonant and deeply grounded in lived experience. Inspired by the author's own loss to wildfire, the narrative is divided into Before, During, and After sections, mirroring Finn's psychological journey through displacement and healing. The poems are accessible yet nuanced, maintaining strong pacing across over 300 pages while tracing the characters' grief, guilt, and growing activism. Finn's field journal habits and Rabbit's fierce resolve offer a dual portrait of quiet courage and ecological awareness. Themes of environmental stewardship, PTSD, and community resilience are interwoven with subtle family tensions and ethical questions around development and responsibility. Jewish and Filipino family identities are woven in organically, adding depth to the novel's strong sense of place and purpose. While the subject matter addresses trauma and loss, Baron handles these topics with age-appropriate sensitivity. VERDICT A quietly powerful, compassionate exploration of environmental loss, friendship, and activism, this standout verse novel belongs in every middle grade collection.—Rose Garrett - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.