Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2023 Gr 1–3—When Zain wakes up on Friday morning ready to use his superpowers to capture alien invaders, he is disappointed that his dad keeps postponing his fun. Zain's father reminds him that it is Jumu'ah (Friday), which is a special day for those who practice Islam. As they head to the mosque to attend prayers, Zain brings his superhero cape with him. The father and son demonstrate to readers the elements of attending the prayer service, such as "mudu" when they must "carefully wash their hands and other parts of their bodies." Zain does his best to behave during the service, but he never leaves his superpowers behind. Both father and son are dark-skinned with brown hair. Words and symbolism are used to identify their culture and create an authentic representation of the prayer service. The digitally rendered illustrations with bright blues and oranges also include "superhero" images and callout shapes that represent Zain's childhood interest and focus even while attending mosque. The author's note following the story provides clear and helpful information about this Muslim tradition that is introduced to children at a young age. VERDICT Combining childhood fascination with superpowers and cultural traditions, this is an accessible purchase for picture book shelves.—Danielle Schwessinger - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/15/2023 Little Zain may be small in stature, but he has an oversize imagination and heaps of energy. In his mind, he is a cape-wearing superhero, impatient to save the world, so he is in for a lesson in patience when, one Friday, he must wait and complete an important ritual before his dad will indulge his games. Jumu'ah prayers are a revered practice among observant Muslims. At the mosque, men and boys come together to pray and hear the wisdom of the Imam who leads it. Readers are invited along as Zain and his father perform the preparatory rituals and join the others for what can be, to a youngster, an inordinately long time. All the while, Zain's imagination leaps around, and he learns to resist acting on his impulses and to follow along. Colorful illustrations mirror the plot and provide culturally specific visual details. A sweet affirmation of an enthusiastic kid's effort to learn patience while immersed in an important religious practice. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.