Straight Punch succeeds through its raw depiction of explosive teenage anger and the physical discipline of the boxing ring. The story highlights the difficult balance between artistic sensitivity and the impulsive urge to fight. Books in this family share a focus on restorative justice, the messy process of redemption, and characters who struggle to control their own volatility.
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a volatile temper, facing the consequences of a significant mistake, or feeling like they have been labeled as a troublemaker. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels misunderstood and tends to lash out before they think, offering a path toward self-control and making amends through the lens of restorative justice. The story follows Tessa, a talented artist who finds herself in a specialized school for at-risk youth after a violent outburst. Through a mandatory boxing program and a restorative justice circle, she learns to channel her intense emotions into discipline and art. It is a raw and realistic look at anger management and accountability for ages 12 and up, proving that a single bad choice does not have to define one's entire future.
