Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2026 Gr 5 Up—In this dystopian middle grade science fiction novel, Mikayla, 14, is determined to pass her exams and be accepted into the Genetic Institute's (GenIn) Elite Scholars Prep Program, until she discovers a shocking secret that jeopardizes her dream. In this cruel and unjust society, people's lives are determined by their genetic DNA score: 95s are Super Elites, but anyone with a 90 or below is labeled Defective and even lower, Expendable. Mikayla tests her DNA and her score is shockingly 88 when she thought she was a 94. Teacher's assistant Garith, Mikayla's best friend until they had a falling out three years ago, hacks into the official DNA database. It reveals Mikayla's DNA is registered to a girl named Grace, a Defective. Mikayla is determined to find out the truth and prove that genetics don't determine a person's worth. The plot is a bit derivative of other books about unequal social classes, but Mikayla, Garith, Grace, and her brother Bryce are sympathetic and relatable. Mikayla's feelings of betrayal by those she loves will resonate, as will her growing anger over the inequality in her society that she has been able to ignore until now. Most characters cue as white, but Garith has light brown skin; the secondary cast includes a same-sex couple. VERDICT This will appeal to fans of books centering strong, determined female characters who stand up against oppression, like Joelle Charbonneau's The Testing or Sylvia Liu's Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation.—Sharon Rawlins - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.