Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 07/21/2025 In this captivating collection of cryptid chronicles, Alkaf (The Visitors) brings together 17 authors-including Brandon Ho?ng, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Jesse Q. Sutanto-to delve into the beings that populate Southeast Asian myth and folklore. Creatures such as the "playful and mischievous" tree-dwelling kapre from the Philippines and the aquatic merlion of Singapore feature in largely joyful, sometimes cautionary stories that showcase intersectionally diverse characters’ experiences with the beasts. For some protagonists, these meetings are transformative: in Mae Respicio’s emotionally charged story "Oliver Santos and the Best Birthday Yet," a 12-year-old uncovers untapped strength. For others, these encounters bring catharsis, as in Alkaf’s hopeful tale "The Curse of Sang Kelebai," in which a tween navigates pain from a caregiver’s abandonment. Each story is preceded by evocative grayscale illustrations by the Wibowos (Weirdo), which portray a creature, convey ambiance via facial expressions and expert use of light and shadow, and provide facts about the beast’s temperament, habitat, and lore. This assemblage of brief tales makes for a fun, informative, and thoughtful introduction to creatures-and cultures-from Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and more. Ages 8-12. Editor’s agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary. Illustrators’ agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative Management. (Oct.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 09/26/2025 Gr 3–7—This collection offers 17 captivating short stories about children and young teens encountering mythological cryptids from South Asian cultures written by notable, best-selling and award-winning authors. Each story begins with an illustrated overview of the cryptid, with quick facts about its country of origin, habitat, and defining characteristics. In Jesse Q. Sutanto's "Melati and the Eternal Battle," 12-year-old Melati meets the fierce Barong who is locked in a never-ending battle with the evil spirit Rangda. Melati is in the Bali jungle to retrieve her prized backpack that her classmates hid from her as a joke, including one person who she had stood up for, only to have her betray Melati and side with those bullying her. In speaking with the Barong and hearing its story about why it keeps fighting the Rangda, Melati comes to realize that standing up for those in need is never in vain. In Emma Goddard's "Ellie Takes Flight," Ellie and her parents fly from the United States to Indonesia to meet Ellie's birth mother. There, she meets the Garuda, a mythical, giant beast with golden wings who gives her the courage to connect with her birth mother and take pride in being both American and Indonesian. While the stories have a magical element to them, they are grounded in realistic settings with relatable themes, such as identity, fitting in, family, and friendship. VERDICT Filled with adventure and heart, this book will make a great addition to middle grade collections.—Marissa Lieberman - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.