Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 5 Up—"Junior high wasn't supposed to be this hard. But it seems like there are so many unspoken rules for girls that I never knew about before." Life is hard for Leta Laurel. Her dad left the family, her mom is trying to keep them afloat, and Leta must keep an eye on her little sister. Not to mention her struggle with navigating middle school, the horrible "lists" that she is on, and her desperate need for new track shoes. But when she is racing, she is Leta "Lightning" Laurel, fastest 400-dash runner in the school. When a girl shows up who could possibly take that title away from her, she wonders whether she should become "lighter" by not eating or push through an injury. And will winning bring her dad back? In the underwritten genre that is girl sports, Toalson has crafted a novel that can be handed to anyone. Leta is a character that every reader will connect with and root for. Add in an embarrassing grandpa, a pain-in-the-neck little sister, and a supportive cast of friends, coaches, and teachers, and it's a story that will reach every reader. VERDICT A resonant tale of a tween struggling to adapt to change; a must-buy for all middle grade collections.—Heather Lassley - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2025 Thirteen-year-old Leta Laurel has earned the nickname Lightning for her speed during the 400-meter race. Living in an impoverished town with her dad out of the picture, her mom working multiple jobs, and her younger sister’s care falling to her, Leta finds that running is the only thing she can control. Inspired by the local newspaper, Leta is determined to win acclaim at the district competition so that her mom can send a photo of her success to her dad. But then a new girl, Natalie Dash, moves into town, and she’s exactly as her name claims: fast. This new rival causes Leta to mount pressure on herself, risking a serious injury to her foot and putting her beliefs in sportsmanship and feminism to the test. The author’s note delves into the landmark Title IX legislation alongside frank discussion about disordered eating and menstruation. Toalson is unapologetic in her portrayal of the hard realities which surround Leta’s life, making her resilience shine even brighter. Bookish and sporty readers will find commonality in this impactful story. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.