About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with their identity or feeling targeted for being different. It is an ideal choice for a young person who feels caught between two worlds or is searching for a way to stand up to bullies without losing their sense of self. The story follows Karl Stern, a secular Jewish teen in 1930s Berlin who takes up boxing under the tutelage of the legendary Max Schmeling. Through the lens of historical fiction, the book explores the weight of heritage, the complexity of hero worship, and the transition from a passive observer to a protector of ones family. It is a gritty, realistic coming of age story suitable for ages 12 and up, offering a powerful look at how physical discipline can lead to internal resilience during times of systemic injustice.
