Bump by Matt Wallace
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0063007983
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

MJ’s dad has recently died, and it’s a pain she’s not familiar with. There were so many things about their life together that she cherish. Until now, MJ has been an active gymnast, but now it doesn’t feel like something she wants to do anymore. When she discovers her neighbor was a famous luchador who now teaches people to be luchadores, she’s eager to join their ranks. MJ is younger than all the other students, but she manages to find her way. While studying at Victory Academy, MJ finds her family and connection to her culture through Lucha Libre—something she and her father used to love together.

This is a wonderful book about family, friendship, self esteem, and of course, wrestling. The story is fun, MJ is completely relatable through many of her typical middle school struggles, and the plot has some unexpected twists. This book also fills a gap in stories about girls who wrestle or who want to wrestle. Recommended for wide purchase and for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME