Fight Back

by Brent R. Sherrard

Tyler Josten has never caught a break. Abandoned by his mother, physically and emotionally abused by his father, he grows up with a wild temper, fighting anyone he sees as a bully -- including the police. When he gets into trouble with the law, his grandmother gives up on him, and he is placed in foster care to wait for his court date.

The Conways welcome Tyler into the kind of home he never imagined, one full of comfort and compassion. When Wayne Conway starts teaching him how to box, Tyler's uneasiness with people caring about him begins to disappear. With a controlled outlet for the violence instilled in him, Tyler starts taking responsibility for his life and his actions. But he still has to be able to trust other people -- and himself.

Genres: Sports, Young Adult

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2015

About the author

BRENT SHERRARD and his wife, Valerie, live in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a high interest, low vocabulary YA book about a very sensitive issue. Tyler is physically and emotionally abused by his alcoholic father. His mother, fed up with her husband, took his younger sister and left, leaving 12 year old Tyler behind. When he is beaten that night by his dad, he finally tells a teacher what is happening. He is moved into a group home that night and then goes to live with his paternal grandmother. He is angry, dislikes everyone, hates school and wants to be left alone. When he makes a really stupid mistake, he is arrested and his grandmother no longer wants him to live with her. Figuring he is heading off to jail, he is offered a lifeline. He’s taken in by the Conways and they both show love and acceptance – but that’s not enough – it’s when Wayne Conway shows him how to channel and control his anger by learning to box that he begins to think he can be good at something. He begins running, lifting weights, learning the moves, and the thinking behind it that help him develop some self-respect. As he begins to feel better he has other successes in his life. A great story to show how and why some people may act the way they do. It also shows how finding self-respect and love from others can save someone from a life of self-destruction. A great book for any high school library and especially for those reluctant readers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via netgalley.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I praise James Lorimer & Company for venturing into the difficult and sensitive YA issues that their books cover.

I was not sure what rating to give Fight Back - not because it was not a good story, but because it felt rushed to me. The plot was interesting and the main character was very interesting and somewhat well fleshed out, but the story, although compelling, didn't develop at the rate that I would have hoped. This is, I believe, mainly due to the fact that these books are fairly short.

Having said that, I would have like to see Wayne and Charlene way more developed. They just seem to have been plucked into Tyler's life miraculously - without any kind of intro or backstory into why they would be so loving towards Tyler. I think there was an interesting story to tell there.

Nonetheless I gave this book 4 stars because it was an excellent read. I have read Wasted which was also by this author and that was excellent.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physically and emotionally abused by his dad, abandoned by him mom, Tyler runs away to his grandmother’s house, only to have her reject him when he get in trouble.

Ready to end his life, he’s taken in by the Conways and they both show love and acceptance – but that’s not enough – it’s when Wayne Conway shows him how to channel and control his anger by learning to box, and Tyler begins the running, lifting weights, learning the moves, the thinking behind it, that he begins to overcome his former self.

This is an extraordinary short novel, not just for those readers who have difficulty reading, but for everyone, young, old, kid or adult – this is one not to be missed – and you might just learn something important about how to make your life a little bit better.

[Ryan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes you really think about life and how to be thankful. The book shows how a kid that had parents that split up and drug/ Alcohol problems grew up to become a fighter in the ring. Throughout the book the Tyler run into many problems that slow him down. Like when hes trying to workout but the cops think hes doing a bad thing so they drive him home. GREAT BOOK!!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading these Sidestreets novels. The authors don’t waste any time getting the reader engrossed in their stories and these stories are engaging and adventurous. There is just enough details to get to know the characters and these characters are individuals that teens can relate to on their level. In Fight Back, Tyler’s life has been nothing but heartaches. At age eleven, his mother left while he was attending school, taking his younger sister with her, leaving him with his abusive, alcoholic father. Tyler’s body was his father’s punching bag. Knowing he had had enough, Tyler finally allows the authorities to know that his bruises were from his father and he gets taken into protective custody. His persona and behavior has already been molded so adjusting to something different, well…. let’s just say it is going to be difficult to change this teen. Immediately upon sizing up his new surrounding, Tyler fists are up, he’s cast his place with her new peers and it looks as if the apple has not fallen far from the tree. Uprooted and placed with the Conway’s now, Tyler is not used to the freedom and respect he is now receiving. Wayne, a former boxer, shows Tyler that the sport is more about confidence and self-respect and not power and anger. His wife’s tenderness and concern for Tyler shows him that he is worthy of these feelings. It’s a great story about overcoming your obstacles and trying to provoke change. As Tyler finds out change is difficult and although the story is short and its pace is speedy, the author shows us that there are many components to the notion of change.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and James Lorimer & Company Ltd, Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A book about boxing? I'll pass." If you're thinking that, think again! This book has so much more than boxing. It's the story of a young man who suffered abuse at the hands of his alcoholic father, his rescue from that situation, and his struggle to deal with his past so he can have a better future. This book drew me in from the first page. I had to finish reading it all in one sitting because I was so invested in Tyler's story. Sherrard gives the reader plenty of background on Tyler's past without being too graphic or bogging the story's forward momentum down. Tyler's "temporary" foster parents are the most beautiful human beings - written realisitically and they fulfill every hope you have in them. Tyler's classmates are believable of a typical high school as are his reactions to them. His boxing career is written as therapeutic and a bonding tool.
Beautifully written at an accessible level, Fight Back would make a great addition to a middle school or high school library. It reminded me of if The Berlin Boxing Club and A Child Called It had been put together in a Bluford High Series format. My students will definitely gobble this one up just as hungrily as I did. I am actively seeking more books by Brent R. Sherrard and from James Lorimer & Company publishing.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the Lorimer SideStreets, fast-paced novels with real world stories and believable characters. Fight Back tells the story of Tyler, a boy who grew up in an abusive home with alcoholic parents. Social services finally steps in after his mother leaves with his younger sister and Tyler shows up in school bruised, again, and tells the truth about his father's abuse. But Tyler has been beaten down and told he was useless all his life. Will he be able to overcome the way he has been conditioned to think of himself? Can he learn that there are caring adults and people he can trust? How will he channel all the anger that has built up inside of him over the years?

The SideStreets books are filled with action and young people dealing with situations in contemporary settings. For readers who prefer realistic fiction, quick reads, and stories with plenty of tense moments, this is a series they should try. I appreciate the way the author shows that Tyler's change in circumstances and attitude is not a magical/overnight transformation. He has times that he slides back into old habits and moments when the rage breaks free. But it also shows that, with support, those patterns of behavior can be changed.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

Fight Back is part of the reluctant reader series from the Lorimer & Company publishers, which I am a huge fan of. The stories are easy to follow and are very realistic. My students go through some of the same things that the characters go through, which makes them feel very connected to the characters and the story.

Tyler has known nothing but emotional and physical abuse from his father, and abandonment from his mother. When Tyler is finally forced out of the home, he goes to live with his grandmother. She leaves him and there is no love there either. When Tyler gets in trouble, his grandmother kicks him out and he is placed with a foster family. For the first time in his life, Tyler sees what a real family is.

Tyler was such a sad and broken character. While he only knows violence, he is such a good person who deserved so much. I was so happy seeing him with a real family. Fight Back is a beautifully written short story that I think is a wonderful story for anyone, not just reluctant readers.

[James Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fight Back by Brent R. Sherrard is a Young Adult (YA) novel in the SideStreets series produced by Lorimer Publishing. They are described as: "edgy, fast-paced novels that combine real-world themes and believable characters to make for short, heart-stopping books — sure to engage the most reluctant reader." This is the first book I have read of the series and I believe it fits Lorimer's description quite well. It is the story of Tyler Josten, a child who has experienced life in a toxic family: abusive father, unloving mother, both alcoholics. Tyler is no bully, but he fights out of anger and to prove himself, scarred by years of being told he is an idiot.

Taken (or rescued, really) from his father after a particularly vicious beating, his paternal Grandmother agrees to take him in, but she is only interested in playing Bingo and drinking. Finding a bottle of rum and a handgun in her home, Tyler goes out to find some fun, only to wake up in a hospital and under arrest! Things are not looking up for Tyler.
You can read the rest of the review at my site: http://miramichireader.ca

[Salvina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fight Back is a book about a young man named Tyler . He's been through a lot as a kid , his parents abused him which lead him to make bad desion in his teenage years.He doenst hesisitae to fight anyone in his way. One day the police catches him and he's put in a temporary home. He meets the Conway couple and there he discovers boxing.Tyler then, strives to change his life for the best and get rid of those terrible events that scarred him.

I picked up this book because I like stories about boxing and martial arts. But I was greatly dissapointed with this book. Although it was short , I wanted to finish the book as soon as possible. The story was plain and had no interest. The plot was messed up and so many diffrent ways. It felt way to rushed and the author had a good comcept but couldnt elaborate it.

I dont recommend this book to anyone since I dont know anyone who would enjoy this book. I RATE THIS BOOK A 1 OUT OF 5.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Troubled teen Tyler was abused as a child and the repercussions on his life are playing out. Now he is in serious trouble with the police and a foster family is supporting him. Having known no stability in his life, Tyler is wary of getting attached to his foster parents - but little by little they win him over. Mr. Conway starts teaching Tyler to box, and he channels his efforts and aggression into boxing. He even sort of likes a girl at school. But Tyler is still paralyzed by fear sometimes, all because of what he suffered at his alcoholic father's hands.

Can Tyler overcome his awful memories of his dad - and his fear?

2.5 stars. This book is readable but a bit predictable in the story line. I think it would be good for a reluctant reader, or someone interested in the sport of boxing. But some of the abuse content is disturbing.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fight Back by Brent R Sherrard is a quality book written for a struggling reader in middle to high school. The story is of Tyler Josten, who has never caught a break. He is struggling with anger, the result of his father’s aggression. Tyler’s attitude has gotten him in fights are left him alone with a huge chip on his shoulder. Until everything comes to a head and he has no place to go.

This is a book I would recommend students to read. This is a publisher that I would read again. I find I need books for boys along these lines. High interest and low readability without it looking like a ‘baby’ book.

A good read, a good find for a teacher like me. Just need to have the right student for this story.

[Anne Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young boy has had a tough life, with part abusive and part indifferent parents. He gets violent, angry, uncontrollable, until the CPS places him in a foster home where the generosity and the openness of the owners, the Conways, will give him a new approach of life. The rebellious young man will accept authority because he can feel in is for his own good, boxing is used to channel his aggressiveness, and all is great.
I find hard to believe in such redemption when years of negligence and abuse created such a violent climate.
It is a short book, written for kids. Maybe they will hope being helped and that a lot of work would enable them to go beyond their anger.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know if it just wasn't my style, or what, but I didn't like this book at all. The summary sounded very interesting, but the book didn't deliver. The biggest problem for me was that I felt Tyler lacked a depth of personality. Sure, he was shaped by his experiences, but he seemed to have little or no true reason for his actions (like when he suddenly wanted to like the family he was placed with right away).

I think others would enjoy this book, perhaps because of its simplistic nature. I wouldn't read it again though.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a very clean and uncluttered writing style, Sherrard tells the story of Tyler, a boy raised by abusive and alcoholic parents. His survival skills get him into a lot of trouble, but when a social worker finally recognizes the root of his behavior, she implements a plan to salvage the teen. I was pleasantly by this short book, and feel it will appeal to many 'tweens and teens struggling with the adults in their lives.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a young adult read that covers some difficult issues. It is written very well, the main character is very strong and the author portrays his troubles well. From his behaviours he could be the kind of young adult that you would really dislike but the books shows a more vulnerable side to him. I was invited to read and review the book and I am genuinely thankful that I was given this opportunity.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will appeal to middle school and high school ages. It has an interesting story line that should especially appeal to boys. The lower reading level, 5.4, is a plus when working with struggling and/or reluctant readers.

[Josie]

Unfortunately, I found the writing came across as an adult attempting to write as a teenager, and it just didn't work for me. This was a DNF.