Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 03/16/2026 A rapid-paced Chosen One narrative propels Korpon and Paz’s rollicking double debut, a series launch. In Cali, Colombia’s Barrio San Antonio, 13-year-old artist and superhero fanatic Tito Rodr?guez endures frequent torment from bullies who mock the facial expressions and bodily movements brought about by his Tourette’s. Tito’s diagnosis-which allows him to "notice patterns everywhere"-helps him realize that an orange cat has been following him. As Tito copes with the devastating news that his pap?, who immigrated to the U.S. for work, now has a new family and won’t be returning to Colombia, the cat, named Cukkito, takes the teen to a realm of talking warrior felines. There, Tito learns that he may be the Chosen One destined to save the human and cat realms from an imminent invasion of destructive spirits called Ywanch. Tension mounts when Tito’s mam? is bespelled by dark Ywanch magic. Alongside two other potential Chosen Ones, Tito must channel his beloved superheroes to eliminate the threat. Imagery-rich language depicts a vibrant backdrop ("Cali had a heartbeat, and that heartbeat was music, art, and joy") against which vivacious and compassionate Tito utilizes his neurological condition in the fight to save the people and place he loves. Ages 8-12. (June) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

School Library Journal - 05/29/2026 Gr 4 Up—Tito Rodríguez is an artistic, family-focused, anime-loving 13-year-old impoverished boy with Tourette syndrome. Although he deals with bullying, his neurodivergence gives him exceptional powers of pattern recognition. These extraordinary powers help him notice what others often miss. At the opening of the book, Tito notices an unconventional cat who reveals itself as the bridge between worlds. He names the cat Cukkito, which translates to "protector of the world." The cat thinks Tito is the chosen warrior who will save their worlds. Cukkito explains that when cats sleep, they are on patrol in Iguakay. The Land of the Sacred Warriors where, among other wonderous feats, cats can talk. Tito feels that Iguakay is like home. It is in Iguakay that Tito meets Bochica, the leader cat. Tito learns that Ywanch entities from The Land of the Tortured Spirits threatens Earth and Iguakay as they feed off negative energy. Their world is hidden from this land by a membrane, which is thinning. Will Tito be the one to save them? His friends Luisito and Isa are also part of the team, trying to battle negative stereotypes of Colombia. Korpon has interspersed the book with Spanish words and vivid descriptions of Colombian culture. VERDICT An exciting high fantasy series debut that animal lovers, particularly cat lovers, will enjoy.—Lisa Gieskes - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.