My Corner of the Ring

May 1, 2019
At only 12, Jesselyn "Jesszilla" Silva is in the ring to win Olympic gold, no matter how many hurdles get in her way. Jess tells readers she knew she wanted to be a boxer from the age of 7. With too-big gear and fierce determination, Jess started down a road that will hopefully take her all the way to Olympic gold. Readers might think that the hardest part about being a girl boxer would be the uphill battle of proving herself tough enough, but while that can be a challenge, the bigger complication for Jess is simply finding other girls her age to fight. This is important, she tells readers, because Jess needs to be a registered boxer and to have fought in five registered bouts in order to qualify for the Junior Olympics, and sparring fights with boys her age don't count. Jess is a smart, strong Latinx girl with a fierce determination, and readers will root through her wins and losses, ups and downs, all the way to the 2018 Junior Olympics. While the writing can be a bit uneven, young girls will be able to relate to Jess and will be inspired by her fighting spirit. Her loving relationship with her father and the support of her coach give an emotional weight to the story. Readers will come away believing nothing is more important than knowing you have people in your corner. (Memoir. 9-12)

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June 1, 2019

Gr 6 Up-Silva's memoir is a unique and inspiring story of bravery, resilience, and passion. At only seven years old, Silva developed a love for boxing and never looked back. She soon discovered the male-dominated nature of the sport and in response, felt determined to make a place for herself and other female boxers. She also yearned to help create a world in which gender stereotypes ceased to exist in sports. While largely fueled by her own passion to challenge herself, Silva received immense love and encouragement from her family, friends, and coach. After only two years of intense training and sparring, she was able to participate in her first match with another girl. She earned the nickname Jess 'Too Cute' Silva and got a custom-made boxing outfit. In due time, Silva achieved one of her major goals-to qualify for the Junior Olympics. At 12, she fought in her local Junior Olympic Regional Tournament and only a month later, she competed at the nationals. Silva fought against someone who was both older and more experienced and while she didn't win, she returned home with a bronze medal, her family and coach's enduring support, and a new goal-to win gold at the 2024 Olympics. VERDICT This memoir will undoubtedly inspire and motivate teens to set goals and challenge themselves. An invaluable addition to public and school library biography collections.-Jess Gafkowitz, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2019
Grades 5-8 Few 12-year-olds have relentlessly pursued the same goal since age 7 as Jesselyn JessZilla Silva has. The Latinx New Jersey native says her desire to box began when she first donned her papi's old boxing gloves, and now her goal is to box in the 2024 Olympics. Jess describes sparring as a nervous 7-year-old girl against a bigger, more experienced 10-year-old boy. Her rise in the boxing world hasn't been as meteoric as she'd hoped, due to the scarcity of other female boxers to fight and the stereotypes they face. Jess echoes boxer Laila Ali's response, I box to feel free, when asked by uncomprehending friends why she loves it. Raised by her divorced papi and supported by many others, Jess is a great example to other young athletes. She shares how she's following her dream by eating healthier, adjusting her mental game, and changing the perception of girls in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Readers will be impressed by her drive to succeed as a female boxer in this inspiring memoir.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)