Gravity by Sarah Deming
Published by Make Me a World on November 12, 2019
ISBN: 0525581030
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Although this book contains lots of realism and some romance it is truly a sport story that is full of personal growth sprinkled with grit.  Gravity’s life improves when she joins a boxing gym that offers her the opportunity to develop skills in the ring and friendship in the club.   What this character lacks in experience and privilege is balanced by her strong personal identity and will to achieve her goals.  Readers will cheer for her as a boxer and as a struggling inner-city teen.  Deming exposes us to the life of female boxers while introducing one of the strongest characters of the year.  With each blow thrown, lessons are learned in this somewhat hauntingly sad yet hopeful book.  The cover perfectly depicts the spirit of the text and Gravity’s personality.

Public librarians should add to their YA collections and high schools will want to place on their shelves.  “Gravity” is a great gift  book for any athletic student over grade 8.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME