Today, I’m a part of the Hear My Roar Blogger Creative Campaign from Penguin! Basically, a bunch of different blogs are creating posts for these three books throughout the month of June. I got the chance to read the book My Corner of the Ring by Jesselyn Silva, and will include a mini review as well as a playlist for the book!
My Corner of the Ring: Summary
In this Lean-In style inspirational memoir, twelve-year-old Jesselyn Silva offers a ringside seat to girl power and what it takes to win in the ring and in life: punch by punch. My Corner of the Ring shows kids what it means to be true to yourself and stick with your dreams even when facing adversity and ridicule. Supported by her single dad, Jesselyn (JessZilla in the ring) first donned her boxing gloves at seven years of age, making her one of very few female boxers in the country.
Overall, My Corner of the Ring charts Jesselyn’s exhilarating and heartbreaking journey to success in a male dominated sport where she struggles to find partners to spar with and combats the viewpoint that no one wants to see a girl fight. Despite an inhospitable environment, Jesselyn still has her sights set on the Olympics. With the help of her very dad, Pedro, who has instilled in her a strong work ethic, she just might make it. It is an exciting and motivational read that will provide kids with the roadmap and encouragement to accomplish whatever goals they set for themselves. Jesselyn’s positive can-do attitude and determination make this a must read.
Author Bio: Jesselyn Silva was born and raised in New Jersey. She’s a young boxer with dreams to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Review
Thanks to Penguin for a copy of this book to read and review! It wasn’t necessarily something I’d pick up on my own, but I’m really glad I read it. Overall, I thought Jesselyn’s voice really shined through the novel. Her story also gives readers a unique look into the boxing culture. She makes a lot of great points about the gender barriers in the sport, and her story is super inspirational. I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next!
Playlist
Since this is a pump-up kind of book, what’s better than a workout playlist? Especially one that Jesselyn could be found working out to. Here are five songs that will motivate you, like Jesselyn is motivated throughout the book.
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Jesselyn references Rocky a couple of times throughout the book, and honestly, who doesn’t think of Rocky when they think of boxing? Which means that this song is a must.
“Confident” by Demi Lovado
One of the sections of the book talks about how Jesselyn has to learn not to be over confident. But she still had to be confident enough to want to keep getting back in the ring.
“Just a Girl” by No Doubt
All about not adhering to what girls are expected to be, which is exactly how Jesselyn feels too.
“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
I think this could almost be Jesselyn’s anthem. Because even when she’s down or loses a fight, she’s still determined to make the next match even better.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
By the end of the book, Jesselyn shows how she started to learn respect within her circle of boxers, making a name for herself through all her hard work.