Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 08/11/2025 Max Conway struggles with self-image, feeling unable to live up to his councilman father’s expectations around sports, academics, or his own potential career in politics. While spending the summer on an island off the Gulf Coast with his marine biologist mother, Max seeks to create his own identity. The 12-year-old’s resolve is put to the test when, during his first excursion to the shore, he finds a beached octopus. Overcome by a sense of duty and empathy, Max and local boy Emmett rush the creature to the island vet, subsequently saving its life. Animal-lover Max is soon drawn into the animal rehabilitation community, befriending the doctors, developing a tender friendship with an indefatigable tween local called Ollie Mae, and forging a surprising kinship with the injured octopus, which the group names Ursula. As the summer comes to an end, however, and the octopus’s condition grows complicated, Max is forced to confront difficult truths about the natural world. Interspersing lightly scientific marine biology-related asides among emotionally earnest first-person narration and conversations between Max and his new friends, Kelly (The Secret Language of Birds) tells a gentle, sweet-hearted tale of a tween managing personal responsibility and finding his own voice. Max reads as white; supporting characters are racially diverse. Ages 8-12. Agent: Molly O’Neill, Root Literary. (Oct.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 09/05/2025 Gr 5–8—No one ever says "no" to Big Max—until his son, also named Max, finally does. His city councilman father is used to getting his way, whether through charm, influence, or by simply throwing money at a problem. Max, however, isn't comfortable with that approach, but it isn't until a summer on Lafitte Island in Texas with his mom that Max sees another way: one built on friendship, promises kept, and genuine love. From the moment he rescues an octopus, later named Ursula, Max starts to discover who he is outside his father's shadow (and without Big Max's wallet). With the help of Ursula and his new friends, Emmett and Ollie, Max learns that showing up, even when it's hard, is what matters. Max's summer is filled with the highs of friendship, the sting of loss, and the power of choosing one's own path. Readers will root for Max as he forges connections and finds his way. Animal lovers should keep tissues handy; one poignant moment reminds readers they won't "expect to fall in love with her so much. It's our love that allows us to let her go." VERDICT This heartfelt story showcases one boy's coming of age, and the joys and sorrows of rescuing an animal; it is highly recommended for youth fiction collections.—Jennifer Seebauer - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.