Straight Punch

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a volatile temper, facing the consequences of a significant mistake, or feeling like they have been labeled as a troublemaker. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels misunderstood and tends to lash out before they think, offering a path toward self-control and making amends through the lens of restorative justice. The story follows Tessa, a talented artist who finds herself in a specialized school for at-risk youth after a violent outburst. Through a mandatory boxing program and a restorative justice circle, she learns to channel her intense emotions into discipline and art. It is a raw and realistic look at anger management and accountability for ages 12 and up, proving that a single bad choice does not have to define one's entire future.