Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/01/2025 Gr 4 Up—A brilliantly written and sensitive portrayal of the reality facing innocent children and families in a war zone. With historically accurate quotes and events interwoven, Rada's story shows the world what Ukrainians faced in the early days of Russian attacks. Rada becomes separated from her family after missile attacks destroy their apartment building. She shelters with neighbors in the basement of a steel plant while her dad rushes to help defend their city. With limited communication, she's left to wonder about the fate of her mother and twin sister. Time after time, Rada and her bunker family plan to evacuate during planned ceasefires only to find themselves under attack when the Russians violate the agreements. They fight to survive on meager bits of food stored in their emergency backpacks. After weeks underground, their clothes are moldy. They drink a cup of hot water for breakfast and supper. Rada and her schoolmate, Viktor, risk their lives to gather items to help them survive. Readers will be in awe of Rada. She rejects cruelty even living in the most dire conditions and manages to face each new devastation with courage and humanity. Rada's indomitable spirit, her refusal to give in to despair in the face of outrageous cruelty, shows readers how heroism takes many forms. Readers will fly through the pages to stay with Rada's story and try to find out the fate of her family. This second title in the series offers a horrifying look inside the conditions in war-torn Ukraine while also inspiring hope for heroes and survivors. VERDICT Purchase for all middle grade shelves. Readers who have firsthand experience with refugee camps and war zones may especially benefit from support while reading. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.