Young adult
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Growing up in in a small town in the English midlands, Kayleigh Goodman has been repeatedly bullied in school. Even when she moves to a new secondary school to escape bullying, a new gang of bullies, Natasha Harrison and her ‘crew’ begin to make Kayleigh’s life a misery.
Whilst being chased by this gang of bullies she stumbles into a boxing gym. Terrified at first, reluctantly, she stays in the gym and enjoys the training session. She takes to the sport like a duck to water and she learns how to fight back. Supported and encouraged by a group of wise and knowledgeable coaches she makes rapid progress and as she learns to box, she develops new friendships, and she battles bullies inside and outside the sport.
Eventually Kayleigh takes part in real boxing matches. Initially locally, then in Liverpool and in London. She even takes on a girl that had bullied her in her previous school. But can Kayleigh win a gold medal at the prestigious Harrington Box cup?
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
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The only reason I read this book is that, as a fellow author, Nicky asked for some advice prior to publication. We had not known of each other before and I’m thrilled that our books have managed to put us together. The universe does that sometimes and it’s a great feeling when it does. This book is a must read for the kids that feel they aren’t heard, are struggling to find their place, are marginalised, a little different and possibly weaker than others. It’s also a must read for their parents and guardians too and, dare I say it as Nicky was a teacher, to be read by all in education. Nicky draws on his wealth of experience as a teacher and a boxing coach to tell Kayleigh’s story. In a world of political correctness I can see why some would struggle with the concept of using a combative sport to overcome her challenges with others. However, this is more than a story about boxing and anyone who knows about boxing knows that it is a sport that requires strength, skill, masses of intuition and intelligence. This is a discipline and what Nicky does so well is to show what is needed if you are to begin that journey to success. What he also makes very clear is the network of family support and how essential that is too. One thing I really love is that the good guys win and the bullies outed and shown for what they are. I found myself willing Kayleigh on in her bouts but more than that, felt proud of her as she rose above the bait. If Nicky was a football, Rugby or any sporting coach I’m sure he’d have written this book but just in a different way. It’s more about the development of the individual to overcome those who seek to oppress talent and character using every means possible. As I said this book is for everyone and whilst perhaps written for a younger population, there is something in there for all of us. A brilliant debut and one deserving of 5 stars in my opinion and a great addition to anyone’s self help shelf of books no matter what age you are.
Loved this book. Some of the fight scenes a bit graphic but I thought that added to it. The main character Kayleigh is lovely and it is great to read about how she quickly becomes a boxer and stops the bullying
Wow loved this book. Had my palms sweating and heart racing many times. Love the way the bullies get their comeuppance.
