Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 04/28/2025 Because of school redistricting, shy Theodosia "Bunny" Baxter starts seventh grade at a different middle school than her best friend Alex. Practicing deep breathing techniques to calm her nerves, the redheaded, bug-loving tween attempts to go unnoticed (like "a tiny, tiny ant") but gains notoriety on her first day due to separate incidents involving a cute boy named Kyle and Paige, a bully who mockingly dubs her Bug Eater and wonders aloud about Bunny’s feelings around being adopted. While relaying woes about mean peers to her father, his offhanded comment-"kids with discipline problems can be sent to an alternative school"-inspires Bunny to concoct a plan: she’ll get herself expelled, mistakenly believing that she’ll be transferred to Alex’s school. Bunny soon dedicates herself to troublemaking, even as she starts making new friends. This heartfelt tale by Roberts (A Rose Named Peace)-distinguished by a distinctive, layered cast with authentic-feeling motivations and relationships-nimbly explores subjects such as the ecological importance of pollinators alongside a fine-tuned emotional exploration of adoption. Main characters cue as white. Ages 10-14. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. (July) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 06/01/2025 *Starred Review* Thanks to redistricting, Bunny Baxter has to start seventh grade at a new school this year, despite the fact that all her friends get to stay together at Wade’s Run Middle School. Bunny’s anxiety is spiking at the prospect of being the new kid, especially since her height (very tall) and hair (“flaming-red” curls) make it impossible to fade into the crowd. Believing (incorrectly) that if she gets kicked out of her new school, she’ll get to attend Wade’s Run instead, Bunny starts trying to get herself expelled. Unsurprisingly, the scheme doesn’t work as Bunny hopes, but she gradually learns how to make friends and find her place at E. D. Britt Middle.This novel is perfect for any anxious middle-schooler, who will not only relate to Bunny’s struggles but learn about using “box-breathing,” which she uses repeatedly throughout, to calm anxieties. Roberts (Nikki on the Line, 2019) adds further complexity to Bunny’s evolving character by beautifully incorporating complicated emotions that come from being adopted—not to mention the girl’s endearing love of bugs and gardening. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories will readily find a friend in Bunny Baxter, as will fans of Jamie Sumner and Barbara Dee. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.