Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2026 Aspiring detective Harper Sharp has already solved a case at his middle school, so when ominous flyers threaten the upcoming inventor’s fair, the principal turns to Harper for help. In artwork that has the feel of a Nickelodeon cartoon, Williams follows determined Harper and his friends as they simultaneously develop projects for the inventor’s fair and identify the saboteur. His bold colors and playful character design add really fun energy, and a few puzzle-like pages—a maze, a cipher—nicely emphasize the investigation theme. Harper’s project for the fair, an original card game, offers an encouraging model for building and testing an idea; Harper has to refine and develop his game, calculate his profit margin, deal with imitators, and more, and he does it all with aplomb. Comical side characters, from Harper’s little sister to the over-the-top teachers and faculty, keep the energy high, and Williams draws characters with a refreshingly wide range of body sizes, skin tones, and hair styles. With a game-like atmosphere and vibrant art, this series starter will be a hit with middle-grade mystery fans. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.