Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 10/01/2025 *Starred Review* Following I Ship (2023) and I Fuel (2024), Schmitt and Dong hit the road with a red 18-wheeler traveling across the country. The truck, driven by a Black woman accompanied by her dog, narrates the journey, which begins as its trailer, filled with toys appealingly visible in a cutaway depiction, is attached. After completing a safety check, the rig is ready to make its deliveries. The illustrations, featuring bold colors, watercolor, and collage, present clear images perfect for conveying concepts to young readers. As the semi makes its way, several scenarios showcase the challenges of transporting goods across the country, such as weigh stations, difficult terrain, dangerous weather, weariness, and loneliness. Schmitt stresses the importance of getting the goods to their destination while keeping the tone fun by emphasizing onomatopoeic phrases (“DING!” “HONK!”) in large text. Kids enamored with large vehicles will revel in the facts and details worked into the text and illustrations, neither of which gets bogged down by its educational load. The book concludes with information about the importance of 18-wheelers in our lives and the national economy, as well as facts about the people who do this important job. Other back matter highlights include a fun “Trucker Talk” glossary that offers CB-radio jargon and a two-page diagram showing the parts of trucks. Expect this big rig to rack up serious circulation miles. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.