Description

A moving and triumphant middle grade contemporary debut from award-winning author Matt Wallace about a heroic young girl—who dreams of becoming a pro wrestler—learning to find courage and fight for what she loves. Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds' Track series!

MJ knows what it means to hurt. Bruises from gymnastics heal, but big hurts—like her dad not being around anymore—don’t go away. Now her mom needs to work two jobs, and MJ doesn’t have friends at school to lean on.

There is only one thing MJ loves: the world of professional wrestling. She especially idolizes the luchadores and the stories they tell in the ring. When MJ learns that her neighbor, Mr. Arellano, runs a wrestling school, she has a new mission in life: join the school, train hard, and become a wrestler.

But trouble lies ahead. After wrestling in a showcase event, MJ attracts the attention of Mr. Arellano’s enemy at the State Athletic Commission. There are threats to shut the school down, putting MJ’s new home—and the community that welcomed her—at risk. What can MJ do to save her new family?

* A Junior Library Guild Selection * Banks Street Best Children's Books of the Year *

A Powerful Story of Grief and Healing: MJ misses her Papi more than anything. But in the ring, she discovers that some hurts can heal, and that fighting for something you love is the best way to honor the people you’ve lost. Lucha Libre Wrestling: When MJ discovers her neighbor runs a secret wrestling school, she trades her gymnastics leotard for a luchadora mask and finds a strength she never knew she had. Finding Your Courage: Facing down school bullies is one thing, but when an old enemy threatens to shut down her new home, MJ must step up and become the hero she’s always idolized. An Unforgettable Sports Story: Perfect for young readers who love stories about underdogs and big dreams, this book is packed with authentic wrestling action, from taking bumps to running the ropes.