Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/06/2024 Gr 6 Up—After an instance where defending a classmate goes horribly wrong in her prior school, Sori transfers to a new school hoping for a fresh start. But when things don't seem like they're going to get better, Sori feels depressed. That is, until she finds a mysterious, anonymous letter taped to the bottom of her desk. What follows is a puzzle that proves to Sori just how vital and powerful friendship can be. Teens will quickly fall in love with this standalone manhwa. Featuring beautiful artwork with colors that pop, and lovable, spirited characters, Cho's book is sure to charm readers of all ages. This story demonstrates that even during vulnerable and difficult stretches in life, there are people out there who genuinely care for the wellbeing of others. With its themes of love, bravery, and companionship, this title offers to young teen readers, and those who have experienced bullying, a powerful message of how life can still produce kindness. VERDICT With stunning visuals and a cast of relatable characters, this manga illustrates that by finding the right people in life who offer respect and support, there are no boundaries on what one can achieve. Recommended.—Joe Pascullo - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2024 *Starred Review* Cho’s gloriously magical manwha begins with a viscerally painful, too-recognizable scene. The image is the back of a girl in a school uniform, standing alone. No longer able to stay quiet as a classmate is being bullied, Sori “quit being a bystander.” Then, she becomes the next pariah, the bullied victim transfers schools, and by the end of summer break, Sori, too, leaves her grandmother to return to her father’s home, where she used to live. Her first day at her new school is initially daunting, but then she discovers the first letter, taped under her desk. It’s filled with deeply useful, welcoming information—a seating chart with classmates’ pictures (surprisingly accurate!) and names, a map of the school, the fastest routes, hints about various teachers. The first letter leads to a second—and then many more. Along the way, Sori drinks flower tea with the campus “witch” and her white cat and catches runaway rabbits with Dongsoon, who joins her for future letter-seeking quests. Hoyeon, she learns, is the letter writer; he was Dongsoon’s best friend who left without a goodbye. But Hoyeon’s left behind quite the legacy of caring and courage that leads Sori and Dongsoon to wondrous adventures, heartfelt bonding, and the best serendipitous surprise of all at the book’s end. In full-color, vibrantly expressive panels, Cho enchantingly transforms that somber opening into joyful beginnings. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.