Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2026 Gr 5–8—Rising seventh grader Dominique (Domi) Pham's hopes of a summer spent hanging with friends and making artwork are dashed by an unfortunate mix-up, and now she must spend her entire summer vacation working at Auntie Queyen's nail salon in Albuquerque to repay her parents. Earning any money proves next to impossible for Domi whose artistic talent doesn't extend to nail painting, and the salon's sparse clientele must be shared amongst many Vietnamese aunties and uncles, so Domi is lucky if she clears a few dollars a day. Auntie Q's once-bustling business is being carved away by a more technologically savvy, glitzy competitor; Domi convinces Q to update and rebrand. Domi makes a big misstep when she does some competitor reconnaissance, upsetting Auntie Q. In the aftermath, Domi's mom rushes to Albuquerque where old wounds between the estranged sisters prove difficult to heal. Hoangadds nuance and depth to the "summer away from home" trope with her description of the Vietnamese service industry in America as a cultural community defined by tireless work, entrepreneurship, and resilience. The characters are authentically imperfect, and some of the most significant growth happens for the adults of the story who are processing the trauma of immigrating as childhood refugees. Domi's story is a gentle reminder that everyone learns from one another in relationships—mothers from daughters, aunties from nieces, children from adults—and that the strength of community helps everyone. Sure, there are lessons to be learned here but the levity peppered throughout will draw in middle grade fans of Kelly Yang, Remi Lai, and Lily Lamotte. VERDICT A recommended purchase for middle grade collections.—Sarah Simpson - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/01/2026 Against the backdrop of a bustling New Mexico nail salon, a young Vietnamese American girl discovers she’s capable of polishing more than just her clients’ nails. After an incident leaves her indebted to her parents, 12-year-old Dominique “Domi” Pham is sent to Albuquerque for the summer to work off her debt at her Auntie Quy?n’s salon. Surrounded by nosy aunties and uncles, demanding customers, and nonstop appointments, Domi initially feels out of her depth. But as she grows closer to the tight-knit salon community—including her formidable aunt—and befriends Bobby, the son of the pho restaurant owners next door, Domi begins to find her footing. When a new competitor threatens the salon’s livelihood, Domi and Bobby combine their talents to save the family business. In the process, Domi deepens her connection to her Vietnamese roots and begins repairing the long-standing rifts within her family. With warmth and heart, Hoang highlights the resilience of Vietnamese immigrants navigating life in America, particularly within the service industry. She thoughtfully explores cross-generational trauma and the role of communication and community in healing such wounds. For fans of Kelly Yang and Lisa Yee. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.