Knockout

"Knockout" is a poignant and humorous middle-grade novel in verse that follows Levi, a boy who, despite overcoming a serious childhood illness, is still seen as fragile by his mother and older brother. His schoolmates only remember him as the class clown. Feeling trapped by these perceptions, Levi secretly takes up boxing with his divorced father's encouragement, finding a powerful sense of self-worth and a path to a new identity. The book explores themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the courage it takes to assert independence, all while navigating the challenges of a new school and a sport he loves. It's ideal for readers aged 8-12.

Levi just wants to be treated like a typical kid. As a baby, he had a serious disease that caused him respiratory issues. He's fine now, but his mom and overprotective brother still think of him as damaged, and his schoolmates see him as the same class clown he's always been. He feels stuck. So when his dad--divorced from his mom--suggests he take up boxing, he falls in love with the sport. And when he finds out about a school with a killer boxing team and a free-study curriculum, it feels like he's found a ticket to a new Levi. But how can he tell his mom about boxing? And how can he convince his family to set him free?