The Boxer (Sunburst Book)

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 theres been hardly enough money each month to make the rent and Johnnys 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 Johnnys struggle and ultimate success Kathleen Karr offers readers a compelling portrait of an appealing young champion.