Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/27/2026 Gr 3–6—Emba, who has pale skin, lives in a cave with her guardian, Fred (Winnifred), and her best friend, Odolf, lives nearby in a tree. Everything changes after Emba gets a visit from a ghost dragon that no one else can see and learns that she is part dragon and hatched from an egg that Fred found in the woods. A mishap leads to her discovery by Necromalcolm, an evil sorcerer who has Fred abducted. Despite the message left by the abductors, Emba and Odolf don't really know where to go or how to get there, so they turn to the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows for advice. After reading the rather vague prophecy, the two preteens set off to rescue Fred. Various misadventures lead Emba and Odolf to a faceoff with Necromalcolm, closing with the possibility of further adventures. The humorous tone of the text, including rather amusing chapter titles such as "The Not-so-Wise Hero of Witchingford Wood" or "The Dreadful Discovery of Doom" keep the book from becoming too dark and heavy. Emba and Odolf make sympathetic heroes to cheer for despite their lack of experience and skill. This will be an enjoyable adventure for dragon-loving middle graders who like a good dose of comedy mixed in with the problem-solving. VERDICT An additional purchase where more dragon-centric fantasy books are needed.—Heidi Grange - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2026 Emba Oak always knew that she was different; she had scales on her arms and legs, after all, but that never mattered to Fred, the Wise Hermit of Witchingford Wood, who raised her. Though the realms between humans and dragons have been sealed for years, Emba is a dragon girl. The cave she shares with Fred is the only place she can safely be herself since the dark magician, Necromalcolm, is in pursuit of dragon blood. But when her dear guardian is kidnapped, Emba, both timid and determined, knows that only she can save Fred. With help from her wellmeaning but woefully inept friend, Odolf Bravebuckle, Emba embarks on a quest to save the only family she’s ever known. The bumbling but lovable duo works to outrun the dark magician and learns a bit more about Emba’s past along the way. This title, originally published in the UK as Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows, launches Moore’s humorous and fantastical Dragon Girl series, which will show adventurous readers that true family isn’t always blood-related. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.