By reviewing high-quality, culturally-sustaining (and enjoyable) books that affirm and value all children, I hope to encourage children and those young at heart to read more. 

Tristan Strong, a seventh grader, is supposed to be a boxer.  He can hold his own in fights at school (no, his parents aren’t happy about school fights), but he loses his first official match, much to the chagrin of his father and grandfather, both champion boxers.  So Tristan is not feeling strong, especially after he was unable to save his best friend Eddie.  Over the summer, Tristan’s parents decide to send him to his grandparents’ farm in Alabama (without his input, of course!), hoping a change of scenery will help him process his grief.  Tristan is dreading the trip, but he has no idea what he’s about to face.