Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/30/2026 Gr 3–7—When Basil Theriot spots her Grandpere on the back pew at St. Joseph's Church, it is not a surprise; given his deep Louisiana roots and that this is his funeral, his ghostly presence would almost be expected. There's not much time for dwelling on ghosts because Basil's navigating watching her parents struggle with their family-owned restaurant in the French Quarter. They are overwhelmed trying to keep the restaurant afloat but frequently remind the tween that she will inherit the restaurant someday. Basil feels guilty, but she knows she would never want to be a chef like her Grandpere or Dad. This comes to a head when her teacher announces the annual sixth grade career fair at school. Basil genuinely struggles with reconciling the "right" occupation with what she truly feels in her heart. Fortunately, Grandpere has a mission for her that will help. Reading like a delicious map of New Orleans food, sights, and culture; readers will absolutely want to dive into more research on this fascinating region. The characters represent a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. Through a blend of magical realism and regional detail, the novel offers a beautiful exploration of grief and familial expectation following a death, culminating in one tween's decision to pursue her own unique future rather than her inherited role. VERDICT This Cajun-soaked yarn about ghosts, family, and reconnecting with one's roots will captivate readers; strongly recommended for fiction collections.—Julie Shatterly - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.