Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/29/2025 Gr 6 Up—Finley creates a wonderfully eerie tale perfect for the Halloween season. Syd's favorite day of the year is Halloween. She's worked hard on her costume and is so excited to wear it to school. On her way there, some older kids make fun of her, which discourages her, making her abandon her costume and decide not to go out at all. Her friend Jake stops by Syd's family antique store and buys a spooky mask they just got from an estate sale. When he puts the mask on, Syd notices something weird about his voice, but Jake goes about his business, and Syd stays home. Later in the evening, another one of Syd's friends, Theo, stops by and they notice something weird about the outside decorations. Something is turning decor sentient and changing kids into their costumes, and Syd must figure out what it is and stop it. This book is filled with spooky details, puns, and all things Halloween. The pacing is quick but not too rushed, which will keep young readers engaged. VERDICT This would be a good recommendation for readers who like Halloween, mysteries, or short, quick reads.—Autumn West - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.