A review by lighthousebooks
The Contender by Robert Lipsyte

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Fantastic YA fiction about overcoming the victim narrative, learning to make good choices, and the value of hard work. Race, ethnicity, Harlem, 1960s.