The Contender
Overview & Summary
High school dropout Alfred Brooks, adrift after his mother's death and his best friend's slide into crime, finds discipline and purpose by training at a Harlem boxing gym, discovering that the real fight -- against poverty, despair, and low expectations -- happens as much outside the ring as in it. Robert Lipsyte's novel is a classic urban coming-of-age story about resilience and self-respect.
Available Formats
- Hardcover
- Kindle
- Other Bindings
- Paperback
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Who This Book Is For
Recommended for High school students (Grades 9–12) working on English Literature. Fits students building reading confidence, vocabulary, and strong comprehension.
Why CE Recommends This Book
A foundational Classic text. Reading canonical literature builds deep comprehension, exposes students to mature writing styles, and prepares them to write thoughtful essays and participate in classroom discussions.
