The Boxer

Hard-hitting historical fiction

Ever since his father ran off two years before, fifteen-year-old Johnny Woods has struggled to help support his ma and five siblings, sacrificing his own schooling in the process. Still, there's been hardly enough money each month to make the rent, and Johnny's dream of a house in Brooklyn, away from the tenement slums, is out of reach.

Then Johnny discovers boxing. He is a natural-born fighter, with street smarts, determination, and an explosive uppercut. Although boxing is illegal in 1885 New York, Johnny powers his way through every obstacle, believing he has found the means to raise himself and his family out of poverty. But as he moves closer to his biggest fight yet, Johnny must reconcile his need to help his loved ones with a sharpening desire to achieve something outside the ring, starting with his education. In bringing to life Johnny's struggle and ultimate success, Kathleen Karr offers readers a compelling portrait of an appealing young champion.

Author: Kathleen Karr
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 09/10/2004
Pages: 176
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780374408862

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 42815 / Boxer


Review Citation(s):
PW Notes and Reprints 09/06/2004 pg. 65
Kliatt 09/01/2004 pg. 21
Publishers Weekly 09/06/2004

About the Author

Kathleen Karr is the author of several books, including The Great Turkey Walk, which was named a Best Book of the Year by both School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. She lives with her family in Washington, D.C.

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