Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 Gr 1–5—Your parents ask you to leave home without them to save your society, but there's a catch. You're a mermaid and you have to morph into human form to go above the water's surface. It's vitally important to discover why the humans are creating so much plastic trash that is destroying your home. Along with your trusty blobfish who morphs into a bulldog, you embark on the journey. There's plenty of gym class drama, cafeteria mishaps, and upchucking episodes to keep young readers entertained while they dive into more serious issues like caring for the environment. Each volume ends with letters between Mari and her dad clarifying and reinforcing the lessons she learns. In Mermaid Mission, Mari ponders the idea of popularity. In Dare to Care, she discovers the risks involved in accepting a dare. In Pet Peeves, she comes to understand the important difference between pets and wildlife. Whimsical illustrations bring the fantasy characters to life and the vocabulary is very manageable. Short chapters and the inclusion of a shell-themed progress tracker keep readers motivated. VERDICT A winner for young readers who might wish for a little gentle guidance in navigating the tougher issues in growing up. If budgets are a concern, save this one for another purchasing cycle. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.