Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 08/18/2025 From Tristan da Cunha to Atka, Alaska, Laroche’s globe-spanning tour of 13 remote human-inhabited locations frequently renders "extreme places" as idyllic. Opening each locale’s profile, an introduction invites readers to imagine what life would be like there, emphasizing the everyday and articulating the way communities have adapted to each place. For instance, on Yemeni island Socotra- a granite landmass in the Arabian Sea-"you and your friends would know where to gather sweet pomegranates for lunch, where to watch the Socotran chameleon change color, and how to avoid the blue baboon tarantula." Further information is organized under headings: "Location," "Who Lives Here?," "Fascinating Fact," and "Adapting to Extremes." Intricate cut-paper reliefs winningly re-create each place in miniature diorama-like delicacy, emphasizing traditional activities-such as riding in a hot air balloon above G?reme, Cappadocia, and fishing in the aquamarine waters of the Atafu Atoll. A map, creator’s note, and selected sources conclude. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 08/08/2025 Gr 3–6—This book introduces readers to the difficulties of living in extreme places—settings that are located far from other communities or even other continents, have severe weather conditions like harsh winters or scorching temperatures, and are prone to natural disasters such volcanic eruptions. Thirteen different places from around the world are introduced, often with thought-provoking questions, e.g., "What would it be like to live in the middle of an ocean on a tiny volcanic island that is the most remote spot on Earth?" To answer questions like this, the book provides a short informative, interest-grabbing introduction for every spot, then provides more detailed information about location, population, a fascinating fact, and information about adapting to extremes. Especially interesting are the many detailed, colorful illustrations using hand-painted paper to make cut-paper relief art. Many of these illustrations highlight features described in the text, so spotting them is both fun and informative. For example, one illustration shows what it looks like to live inside a mountain. Another illustration shows homes on a floating island located in the world's highest lake. Back matter includes a map showing the location of every featured place, a note on the artwork showing and explaining the stages involved in creating it, and a selected bibliography. VERDICT An excellent choice for social studies units dealing with geography, as well as integrated studies showing how art and social studies can work together to create meaning. This is a beautiful, fascinating, and uniquely told book.—Myra Zarnowski - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.