Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 01/12/2026 A tween contending with familial tumult and financial insecurity finds comfort in a brand new setting in this classic-feeling girl-saves-horse story by Bradley (The Night War). It’s been three weeks since what 11-year-old Harper refers to as the Bomb figuratively "blew her family to pieces." As if learning that her parents were getting divorced wasn’t bad enough, gossip at school soon revealed the reason behind the separation: Harper’s father and her best friend Cat’s mother have been having an affair. Now, after moving into a small home on the grounds of a riding stable in the Tennessee countryside, Harper and her mom attempt to start over. Grieving and angry over the loss of her former life and Cat’s friendship, Harper feels adrift-until a slaughterhouse truck abandons an ailing horse at the stable. Empathizing with the horse, Harper names him Phoenix and resolves to do everything she can to help him recover from the trauma of his neglectful past. Alongside sobering, candid conversations about animal abuse and the expenses and responsibilities associated with equine ownership, Harper’s relentless belief in Phoenix and herself buoys this optimistic series launch. Harper reads as white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 10-14. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. (Mar.) - Copyright 2026

Booklist - 01/01/2026 Harper’s life isn't the same after the bomb dropped; her parents’ impending divorce (due to her father’s affair) became school-wide gossip, so Harper and her mom move into a small house next to a horse farm. When a starving horse is dumped at the farm, Harper names him Phoenix and makes it her mission to bring him back to health. This launch of a new series from Newbery Honor Book author Bradley showcases how Harper deals with huge life changes, realistically demonstrating that healing doesn’t happen overnight. Harper's depression and confusion regarding her feelings is very relatable and thoughtfully written; she deals with very grown-up subjects like divorce, animal cruelty, and racism while still solidly being a kid. Harper knows next to nothing about horses, so readers learn terms and skills right along with her. Learning responsibility and empathy are Harper’s pathway to healing, and the strong bond she forms with Phoenix will hopefully culminate in her eventually being able to ride him in an upcoming book. Ideal for readers looking for short books about strong animal bonds. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 01/30/2026 Gr 3–8—Brubaker Bradley's horse series starter is off to a fantastic beginning. Due to white sixth grader Harper's parents' divorce, she, her mom, and their devoted dog Harvey move from the big city of Knoxville to small-town Sommer Springs, TN. Feeling lonely, sad, and angry, Harper sinks into a slump, certain she'll never have a best friend again and uncertain if she can forgive her father for the bomb he dropped on the family. When a neglected horse is left at the neighboring farm, Harper springs into action, determined to save his life and have a horse of her very own. She names him Phoenix, and thanks to farm owner Ms. Chelsea and the kids who take riding lessons from her, Harper learns a lot about horse care, riding, and how to maybe start living her life again. Beautifully written and completely engrossing, this story is sure to stick with readers long after it concludes and leave them anxiously awaiting the next installment. Brubaker Bradley has a gift of storytelling, and readers are all the better for it. While rich in detail around Harper and Phoenix's blossoming relationship, this book is not just for horse lovers; it is for anyone navigating major life changes and grappling with learning to forgive. VERDICT A healing balm to a hurting soul and a first purchase for all school libraries. Highly recommended.—Tracy Cronce - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.