Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/03/2025 PreS-Gr 3—Global soccer superstar Lionel Messi's life gets the picture-book treatment with special attention paid to his childhood. With a push from devoted Grandma Celia, Leo joins a soccer club with much older players at the tender age of four. School-age Messi was shy and the smallest in his class, but soccer allowed him to shine. Young fans will enjoy tidbits like Messi's soccer coach encouraging him with cookies for each goal he scored. Colorful illustrations capture Messi's facial expressions, and the joy soccer gives him, while accompanying bold and larger text sizes for soccer descriptors like "Block," "Shoot," and "Score" encourage the youngest fans to read along. The obstacles young Messi must overcome to become the champion of today are sensitively portrayed including the death of beloved Grandma Celia and a growth hormone deficiency for which his middle-class family can't afford treatment. After years of hard work during his trial with the Barcelona football club as a teenager, he makes the first team and is shown with his signature move of dedicating his goals to his grandma Celia with two fingers pointed up to the sky. Back matter includes a timeline of his life, a description of his many achievements, and "Messi Facts." VERDICT At a time when Messi biographies are in abundance, this one stands out for its celebration of the phenom's dedication and resilience in the face of childhood struggles. A first purchase for school and public library biography shelves of an admirable role model.—Carrie Voliva - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2025 Lionel Messi is one of the winningest, most celebrated soccer players in the world. This engaging, family-oriented story begins when he’s a toddler, amazing coaches and older players with his precocious talent. Born into a lower-middle-class family in Argentina, Messi’s greatest champion was his beloved grandmother, Celia. The action follows his hard work, determination, and steady rise through various youth leagues, even though he was always very small for his age. Eventually determined to have a growth disorder, Messi still received a contract offer from FC Barcelona, who also agreed to pay for his expensive hormone therapy. The expressive illustrations effectively capture a homesick Messi taking his injections and practicing tirelessly, making his professional debut at 17 and going on to World Cup, Olympic, and record-shattering glory. Great full-page illustrations show Messi in his trademark post-goal-scoring pose with his two index f ingers pointing up to the sky, dedicating his achievements to his grandmother. Back matter includes a time line and full list of achievements. This is a fitting tribute to a stellar role model. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.