Girls Can't Hit

July 1, 2018

Gr 8 Up-Fleur Waters didn't dream of becoming a boxer, but in this follow-up to Boys Don't Knit, she certainly ends up as one. When readers first meet Fleur, her life is pretty decent. She has parents who love her and each other, but squabble a bit; a boyfriend, George, who is too into his routines, but is a safe choice; and two best friends, Blossom and Pip, who are exceedingly quirky. When über-feminist Blossom discovers that a local boxing club is holding a separate women's night, she drags Fleur and Pip along to protest this blatant sexism. Fleur is initally drawn to the club almost exclusively to spite her friend, but she ultimately ends up taking boxing in earnest-much to the chagrin of her mom and boyfriend, who both fear for her safety. After weeks of hard work, Fleur's goals quickly shift from general fitness to learning how to spar. Her club organizes an exhibition match to promote the sport, and Fleur must choose between fighting or bowing out. Full of funny moments, this sequel features a quick-witted young woman discovering herself by embracing possibilities and trying something new. An author's note speaks to Easton's understanding of his bias and male privilege, which may assuage some readers' concerns. VERDICT Especially alongside its predecessor, it's a real one-two punch. Many will want to consider as a first purchase.-Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, WI

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 16, 2018
A teen boxer’s dry sense of humor, as well as her quirky friends and small English town, charm in this empowering coming-of-age story. Sixteen-year-old Fleur lacks true passion about most things in her life, but when her best friend, Blossom, a fired-up feminist, enlists her to help with a protest over gender restrictions at a local boxing club, Fleur signs up for a class on a whim and slowly comes to love it. Her stodgy boyfriend, her anxious and protective mother, and even Blossom don’t understand Fleur’s commitment to her new interest, and at times—such as when she’s sweating profusely and nearly puking—Fleur’s not sure about it herself. But as the weeks pass, what started as a lark becomes the most serious thing in Fleur’s life, rippling out across all her relationships, as she trains hard and sets the goal of stepping into the ring for a match. Fleur’s newfound strength, both physical and emotional, and her changing attitude toward herself build to a satisfying final round. Ages 13–up.

June 1, 2018
Grades 9-12 Fleur's pretty sure she's a bad feminist. She doesn't stand up to people the way her best friend, Blossom, does. She even muted Emma Watson on Twitter. So when one of Blossom's crusades takes them to a local boxing gym, Fleur surprises everyone, including herself, by signing up for a class. She's even more surprised when she goes back the next week. She's the only girl there, it's the hardest workout she's ever done in her life, and no one, from her Pilates-preferring mom to her orderly boyfriend, is thrilled that she's courting concussions and packing on muscle. But for the first time in her life, Fleur feels strong and willing to fight for something. Here Easton offers up a cheeky, girl-centric counterpoint to his acclaimed Boys Don't Knit (2015). Lighthearted and irreverent, this British import is a feminist sports story rooted in humor. Readers will enjoy watching smart-mouthed Fleur gain confidence as a boxer and as a young woman, and the always-popular underdog sports narrative will attract many readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)