Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2026 Gr 1–3—Third graders Mo, Ruby, and Jasper are friends and classmates. Ruby and Mo are excited when their teacher announces that they will have a week of World Cup–inspired lessons and a soccer tournament with other local schools. Jasper is a good football, baseball, and basketball player but becomes frustrated with learning soccer. He is jealous of Ruby's and Mo's skills, and especially of how well new student Sofia plays. Themes of friendship and sportsmanship develop through the story. Attractively designed nonfiction elements, such as the history of the World Cup, background on some countries that participate, and descriptions of soccer rules, terms, and player positions make this book comprehensible to children who may know nothing about the sport. A "Questions and Activities" section provides useful extensions for parents or teachers. Ruby makes sure that the others remember there is a women's World Cup as well, and several female and male soccer stars are mentioned. Black-and-white cartoon-style illustrations depict a varied classroom, including children with varying skin tones and hair types; Jasper is white, Ruby is Black, and Mo has brown skin and speaks Spanish. Part of the "Branches" series of transitional readers, this short chapter book provides a useful bridge between beginning readers and longer fiction. VERDICT Fans of the "Ballpark Mysteries" and "MVP" series by David A. Kelly will enjoy this informative, accessible soccer story.—Lucinda Whitehurst - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.