Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/30/2026 Gr 3–7—When Basil Theriot spots her Grandpere on the back pew at St. Joseph's Church, it is not a surprise; given his deep Louisiana roots and that this is his funeral, his ghostly presence would almost be expected. There's not much time for dwelling on ghosts because Basil's navigating watching her parents struggle with their family-owned restaurant in the French Quarter. They are overwhelmed trying to keep the restaurant afloat but frequently remind the tween that she will inherit the restaurant someday. Basil feels guilty, but she knows she would never want to be a chef like her Grandpere or Dad. This comes to a head when her teacher announces the annual sixth grade career fair at school. Basil genuinely struggles with reconciling the "right" occupation with what she truly feels in her heart. Fortunately, Grandpere has a mission for her that will help. Reading like a delicious map of New Orleans food, sights, and culture; readers will absolutely want to dive into more research on this fascinating region. The characters represent a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. Through a blend of magical realism and regional detail, the novel offers a beautiful exploration of grief and familial expectation following a death, culminating in one tween's decision to pursue her own unique future rather than her inherited role. VERDICT This Cajun-soaked yarn about ghosts, family, and reconnecting with one's roots will captivate readers; strongly recommended for fiction collections.—Julie Shatterly - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2026 The first time sixth-grader Basil Theriot sees her grandpere’s ghost is at his funeral. Neither is exactly sure why his spirit is sticking around, but G’pere is adamant that Basil start connecting to the Cajun side of her heritage. He proceeds to send her—along with her aspiring ghost-hunter bestie—on excursions to the swamps where he grew up, connecting her with culture, family, and the environmental plight of these wetlands. Concurrently, Basil struggles to come up with a job for her Career Day project, knowing that her parents expect her to take over their popular family restaurant, founded by G’pere in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Basil knows the restaurant life isn’t for her, and G’pere’s adventures help her realize she wants to be a coastal scientist. Marsh sticks to her roots in her sophomore novel, developing a strong sense of place and weaving together themes of bereavement, climate change, and friendship struggles. Readers may not find a ghost-filled bayou here, but they will certainly enjoy being immersed in New Orleans’ history and enticingly described cuisine. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.