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rjozinga 's review for:

The Contender by Robert Lipsyte
2.0

The story of Alfred Brooks, a high school dropout who turns to boxing instead of some of the unhealthy behaviors his friends are picking up. Along the way he gets to know people who really provide a positive influence in his life. This was not your typical sports book with a grandiose victory at the end, which I appreciate. Alfred makes mistakes and is not perfect, but he is a character that the reader roots for and wants see succeed. This would be a great book to recommend to boys ages 12-14.