Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/01/2025 In this latest series installment, Urban introduces Olive, another third-grader in Mrs. Z’s class, who’s always full of crafty ideas. When the school announces a club fair, Olive decides to start her own art club, complete with sequins, felt, and her signature creative flair. Olive is a relatable and likable character, especially for kids who might recognize bits of their own lives in hers. Her mom works nights, so Olive stays with her grandma Sally, who puts her to bed early and brings her to work in the school lunchroom before anyone else arrives. Olive also has to help take care of the chickens, including the cuddly rooster, every morning. She sees her mom only a few days a week, but the support she gets from her family is heartwarming, and Olive herself is thoughtful, clever, and kind. The grayscale illustrations—just one or two per chapter—add fun visual breaks and help younger readers ease into chapter books. Fans of character-driven stories like Kate DiCamillo's Ferris (2024) or the Questioneers series will want to follow Olive’s adventures. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.