Boxer

This is the story of Sunny, a seventeen-year-old who joins a boxing club to protect himself after a racist attack. He finds a community and a mentor, but when racial tensions rise, he may lose his best friend to radicalization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2019
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Amateur boxer Sunny's journey unfolds over the course of his first fight, revealing a tale of isolation, disconnection, and the search for community. At seventeen, he relocates to a new city, feeling alienated and disconnected. In an effort to protect himself from a racist attack, Sunny joins a boxing club, where he unexpectedly finds a sense of belonging and a mentor in trainer Shobu. The club becomes a haven for him, offering a supportive community and a guiding hand in navigating his new surroundings. However, the city's racial tensions escalate, and when a Far Right march in Bristol turns violent, Sunny faces the heartbreaking loss of his best friend, Keir, to radicalization.

This novel is a powerful exploration of friendship, radicalization, and the quest for identity. It delves into the complexities of human relationships, challenging preconceptions and promoting empathy and understanding. Sunny's journey is filled with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks, but his determination to find his place in the world remains unwavering. Through his experiences, readers are invited to reflect on the importance of community, the impact of prejudice, and the power of friendship to overcome adversity.

The writing is vivid and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and experiences of the characters. The characters are well-developed, with their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations clearly portrayed. Sunny's journey is particularly relatable, as he struggles to find his place in a world that often feels hostile and unfamiliar.

Overall, "Finding My Place" is a gripping, life-affirming YA novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781444940695