Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 09/15/2025 Cherrywell (Unboxing Libby) weaves an emotionally rich tale of self-discovery and inner strength in this hilarious, heartfelt fantasy brimming with magic and memorable mythical creatures. White-cued, transgender 12-year-old Becca Slugg yearns for adventure beyond the Cape Disappointment Beach Inn, which she runs with her mother, whose tendency toward caution and routine frustrate the youth. But when Becca’s aunt Malatrice arrives and places Becca’s mom under a mind control spell as part of a scheme to assume dominance over the Slugg family, the tween learns that she’s descended from a clan of witches who cast spells using ink. To restore her mother’s agency, Becca must assemble other spell components, such as mermaid caviar and powdered troll tooth. Assisted by her mother’s talking tarantula familiar, and the troll who lives in the inn’s ice machine, Becca delves into a heretofore hidden supernatural world and discovers her family’s secret history on the road to facing Malatrice. Throughout, Becca draws parallels between her gender identity and the complexities of living as a witch in a society that often forces people to conceal innate parts of their existence, as her magical kin had done for years. This growing awareness-as well as the compassionate support she receives from her loved ones and her own self-assuredness-injects tenderness into a playful, satisfying adventure. Ages 8-12. Agent: Marie Lamba, Jennifer de Chiara Literary. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 01/01/2026 *Starred Review* Rebecca Slug lives a quiet life helping her mother, Barbara, run a dilapidated inn. Becca hopes to drum up some excitement by auditioning for the wicked-witch role in her school’s upcoming Oz production, but her mom won’t allow it—Barbara worries about Becca attracting unwelcome attention as a trans student, and Barbara has always had an aversion to witches. That odd aversion suddenly becomes understandable when Barbara’s estranged sister, Malatrice, makes an unexpected appearance and starts weaving malevolent magic, leaving an entranced Barbara and bewildered Becca in her wake. Barbara’s former familiar, a convivial tarantula, is able to provide some insight: Becca is descended from a long line of witches, and she’ll have to tap into her own internal ink-based powers if she wants to fix her mother and stop Malatrice from causing further mayhem. The brilliant Becca is refreshingly comfortable with her own competence and hard-won trans identity, though she’s also given plenty of room to struggle and grow. Her story is bolstered by an unforgettable supporting cast, from a mermaid frustrated with ocean pollution to the aforementioned familiar with killer comedic timing. Lush descriptions conjure a vivid Pacific Northwest setting, and the ink-based magic system is incredibly creative. There is danger and humor, kindness and cruelty, terrific twists and moments of quiet contemplation. A spellbinding story that reminds readers of the particular power found in embracing your truest self. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.