Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 05/18/2026 Aronson (Bite by Bite) and debut author Mead team up with illustrator Foley (Witch Hunt) to deliver an exceptional nonfiction work that traces the finding of a new human relative, Homo naledi, and the discovery’s impact on contemporary society. A conversational prologue establishes the creators’ credentials and their connection to Dr. Lee Berger, an American paleoanthropologist based in South Africa, where Homo naledi was uncovered. Seven chapters, rendered using vivid prose, outline the events leading up to the discovery. In September 2013, after cavers locate a hard-to-reach chamber in the underground Rising Star system located in the "fossil-rich region designated the Cradle of Humankind," Berger recruits a team of six female graduate and PhD students with paleoanthropology expertise, caving experience, and the ability to fit through the tight spaces. The women, now known as the Underground Astronauts, excavate 1,200 fossils, including those that lead to the unveiling of Homo naledi in 2015. Propulsive sequences-particularly those depicting the cavers’ journey to the chamber, starting with a gap "so narrow each had to extend one arm forward like Superman flying through the air as they crawled"-keep readers locked into the intense and exciting narrative. Ages 10-14. (Aug.) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2026 Gr 5–8—Sibert Medal–winning author Aronson joins teacher Mead to introduce middle grade readers to the exciting story of Homo naledi's discovery. Found in a South African cave, H. naledi was a small-brained hominin living between 335,000 and 236,000 years ago. An all-women's team of "Underground Astronauts" led by paleoanthropologist Lee Berger excavated the fossils. Once their project wrapped up, work was expanded to include a diverse group of researchers from South Africa to continue exploring the Cradle of Humankind. This is a unique change, as African paleoanthropology has historically been the realm of white, foreign men. While the book is enthusiastic about Berger's discovery of H. naledi, the authors examine all sides of events. They acknowledge that Berger has unorthodox methods and is quick to announce new finds without peer review. This raises eyebrows in the scientific community and their concerns and rebuttals are included. The book is an easy-to-read account about what could be a complex topic, aided by boxed asides explaining terms and concepts, and a chapter titled "Outline of Human Evolution (As We See It Now)." Authors keep the age of their intended readers in mind, using comparisons that will be familiar to them. Aware that this discovery is new and ongoing, the authors include a chapter explaining how they researched and wrote the book. Back matter includes sources, a bibliography, and resources with guiding comments. VERDICT A great addition to middle grade collections with appeal to readers interested in exploration and prehistoric life.—Laura Nan Hargrove - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.