Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/13/2024 PreS-Gr 1—It's Mazie's first day of school at a new school, and she's naturally eager to make new friends. Disappointed when her peers don't ask about her eye patch and bald head, covered by a pretty scarf, Mazie's classmates project their own made-up explanations for her differences. Often overheard in hushed conversations or loud whispers, readers are privy to Mazie's inner thoughts as she navigates social tensions and fears, drawing on the bravery and hopefulness she gained from her recent battle with cancer. Mazeika offers personal insight into being a child who survives cancer and lives with a visible physical disability in a classroom full of unfamiliar and uncurious peers. Her digital illustrations emphasize the main character and her social situations with strong, bold colors for the protagonist and her classmates. This fictional story of a young white girl struggling to connect with her classmates in a multiracial suburban American classroom offers significant social-emotional learning opportunities for younger readers. Back matter includes the author's personal connection to the story, followed by a list of things children (and caretakers) can do to be supportive of "People Like Me." If the list seems directed at adult readers, the final two lines emphasize a crucial message that might not have been obvious in the storytelling: "We all have things that make us different. What kinds of things do you wish other people just asked about you?" This is a perfect question for children to process and then pose in a classroom, library, or other setting. VERDICT For elementary libraries lacking books that address this specific message, this is an important purchase.—Jessica Fenster-Sparber - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2025 Mazeika pens a heartfelt and empowering picture book based on her own childhood experiences. Mazie, a young girl beginning her first day at a new school, has to wear a headscarf and an eye patch, sparking curiosity among her classmates. Instead of asking her directly, the other kids whisper fantastical stories—Mazie's hair got burnt off in a circus! Her family are pirates! Mazie feels isolated and invisible as her attempts to join in and explain are ignored. Her journey to finding the courage to confront her classmates and invite them to ask questions is both relatable and inspiring. Through charming illustrations and an engaging narrative, the book gently explores themes of inclusion, curiosity, and bravery. The author includes her own story and struggles with the aftereffects of her childhood cancer and the difficulties she faced in school. She offers valuable advice about approaching and asking about people's disabilities and differences. The story encourages young readers to embrace differences, dispel assumptions, and foster open communication. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.