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Punch Like a Girl
It’s not the girl in the fight; it’s the fight in the girl.
Nobody understands why Tori has suddenly become so moody and violent. When she attacks a stranger in a store, she ends up doing community service at a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She bonds with a little girl named Casey, but when Casey is abducted while in Tori’s care, Tori is racked with guilt, certain that she should have been able to prevent the abduction. During the search for Casey, Tori comes face to face with an ex-boyfriend who sexually assaulted her at a party. Only when she speaks out about the assault is she able to begin to heal.
Nobody understands why Tori has suddenly become so moody and violent. When she attacks a stranger in a store, she ends up doing community service at a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She bonds with a little girl named Casey, but when Casey is abducted while in Tori’s care, Tori is racked with guilt, certain that she should have been able to prevent the abduction. During the search for Casey, Tori comes face to face with an ex-boyfriend who sexually assaulted her at a party. Only when she speaks out about the assault is she able to begin to heal.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
19 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Karen Krossing
14 books59 followersKaren Krossing wrote comics and poetry as a kid and dreamed of becoming a published writer. Today, she’s the author of many books for kids and teens, including picture books and novels. She won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Canada in 2015 and 2023 and has been a finalist for the Ontario Library Association White Pine Award and the Joan F. Kaywell Books Save Lives Award, among other honors. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and she’s on faculty at Whale Rock Workshops.
For more about Karen, visit karenkrossing.com.
For more about Karen, visit karenkrossing.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 11, 2023
At first, I got the book because of the cover. But It was an amazing book, it was very relatable. I loved it because I couldn’t stop reading it. It had so many good/sad/crazy things happening I had to finish it. It was very relatable because I understood how she felt and I could understand why she did those things. I felt angry at some people, even though they aren’t even real! Very good book, recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
Although Punch Like A Girl by Karen Krossing is a fictional novel, the realistic characters make everything seem true. Tori Wyatt is a 17 year old high schooler who enjoys soccer, spending time with her friends, and apparently getting into fights. Her two best friends, Alena and Jamarlo, cannot figure why Tori is acting strange and punching strangers. Tori thinks no one could understand what happened in her past relationship with her ex boyfriend Matt. Even though Tori says everything is ok her parents think it's best for her to take part in some community service, so she decides to volunteer at a domestic violence women's shelter. Over time Tori tries to mend her friends back together and find her voice when encountering her ex.
I personally loved reading this because every chapter had a crazy event with important topics. The author of the book made sure that all the pages were interesting without making it messy and disorganized. Although there were close details about all of the characters I never got confused on what I was reading. Even though reading is not my favorite, the author definitely found a way to make me not wanting to put the book down.
An import positive detail about the novel is that it includes topics about abuse, relationships, friends, and family. These are things everyone should be aware of, even if they might not ever experience all of them. There was not really anything negative to say about the novel except I personally think it would be more interesting if the author included some more details about the people Tori punched. If you are a reader that likes novels about friendships and drama, Punch Like A Girl will be a great book for you. The author wrote an intriguing plot that will keep you excited during each chapter. The book absolutely met my expectations while I read it over the summer, and that is a lot coming from a person who is not to fond of reading.
There were a few times when I became anxious when reading this, because there is a big heart beating event when Tori is doing her volunteer work and something scary occurs. When reading this novel it opened up my eyes on important messages every girl needs to know. There are some topics including harassment and abuse that some people are afraid of talking about, but in this novel the author makes sure to spread an important message in a creative way.
I personally loved reading this because every chapter had a crazy event with important topics. The author of the book made sure that all the pages were interesting without making it messy and disorganized. Although there were close details about all of the characters I never got confused on what I was reading. Even though reading is not my favorite, the author definitely found a way to make me not wanting to put the book down.
An import positive detail about the novel is that it includes topics about abuse, relationships, friends, and family. These are things everyone should be aware of, even if they might not ever experience all of them. There was not really anything negative to say about the novel except I personally think it would be more interesting if the author included some more details about the people Tori punched. If you are a reader that likes novels about friendships and drama, Punch Like A Girl will be a great book for you. The author wrote an intriguing plot that will keep you excited during each chapter. The book absolutely met my expectations while I read it over the summer, and that is a lot coming from a person who is not to fond of reading.
There were a few times when I became anxious when reading this, because there is a big heart beating event when Tori is doing her volunteer work and something scary occurs. When reading this novel it opened up my eyes on important messages every girl needs to know. There are some topics including harassment and abuse that some people are afraid of talking about, but in this novel the author makes sure to spread an important message in a creative way.
December 14, 2017
I almost put this book down in the first quarter or so, because it starts out with a teenage girl getting violent as a way to cope with a traumatic experience that she's had (that isn't explained until the end of the book), and while I could understand and empathize with her feelings, it seemed like it was glorifying violence from a sort of feminist equality position.
I'm glad I kept reading, though, because the author did an excellent job of telling the story through the perspective of the teenage MC, and having her naturally progress to a different perspective by wrestling through potential approaches.
There's surprising dimension to this story, given that it's a pretty quick read. The MC's relationships with her friends, teammates, sibling and parents, and ex-boyfriend are all explored and developed. She volunteers (as community service) at a women's shelter with the children, and a situation there helps her grow and deepen her understanding of how to seek justice. Mildly spoilery, but the resolution manages to bring balance to her perspective, allowing that different approaches are necessary in different situations, and doubling down on the redemptive nature of meaningful relationships.
Possible trigger warnings on sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse of women and children. Some violence and language; I'd rate this as PG for preteens and kids (but well worth a read if your kid is ready or if you want to co-read and talk through the ideas) and totally ok for teens 14+. This would be a great book for classrooms to teach through as well. Extremely well done (as many of the Orca Books titles).
I'm glad I kept reading, though, because the author did an excellent job of telling the story through the perspective of the teenage MC, and having her naturally progress to a different perspective by wrestling through potential approaches.
There's surprising dimension to this story, given that it's a pretty quick read. The MC's relationships with her friends, teammates, sibling and parents, and ex-boyfriend are all explored and developed. She volunteers (as community service) at a women's shelter with the children, and a situation there helps her grow and deepen her understanding of how to seek justice. Mildly spoilery, but the resolution manages to bring balance to her perspective, allowing that different approaches are necessary in different situations, and doubling down on the redemptive nature of meaningful relationships.
Possible trigger warnings on sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse of women and children. Some violence and language; I'd rate this as PG for preteens and kids (but well worth a read if your kid is ready or if you want to co-read and talk through the ideas) and totally ok for teens 14+. This would be a great book for classrooms to teach through as well. Extremely well done (as many of the Orca Books titles).
February 17, 2015
This is a great book for late middle school to high school aged students. The story covers hard topics like rape, abuse, kidnapping, vulnerability, and bullying without being overly graphic or over the top. The main character is likable and easy to relate to even if the reader has never experienced such hardships.
I really enjoyed how each chapter began with a vocabulary word with accompanying definition that connected to the plot. I thought it added a really interesting perspective on the action in the story without overpowering the story.
The writing wasn’t stellar and there were many plot points that were obvious, but I do not think that is always a bad thing for a YA novel. Sometimes quick, gripping reads are important to get students into reading. This is a great gateway book for other more complicated reads.
It would be good for fans of Speak or Breathing Underwater.
I really enjoyed how each chapter began with a vocabulary word with accompanying definition that connected to the plot. I thought it added a really interesting perspective on the action in the story without overpowering the story.
The writing wasn’t stellar and there were many plot points that were obvious, but I do not think that is always a bad thing for a YA novel. Sometimes quick, gripping reads are important to get students into reading. This is a great gateway book for other more complicated reads.
It would be good for fans of Speak or Breathing Underwater.
March 25, 2019
I'm a high school librarian in New Jersey. I have a student who who is a reluctant reader and was unhappy that she had to pick a book for her sustained silent reading. I recommended Punch Like a Girl, which she renewed twice before starting. A few weeks later her teacher returned it and told me that the student loved the book so much she asked for more by the same author. This is a huge victory. We ordered more of Ms. Krossing's books for our library, and they are popular with the reluctant reader crowd.
July 28, 2016
Honestly, I signed this book out because of the cover. I know you're not supposed to do that, but it was irresistible!! ( and the actual story sounded nice too.) So I read it. And I loved it! This book really was powerful.
September 15, 2017
Her courage rises
I chose a five star rating because I think this book speaks strongly about the courageous journey a teen goes through when faced with a difficult life event. The story is well told and makes me want to share with my middle school students. Reading a story like this could help encourage others to share their stories or seek help. A teachable tool.
I chose a five star rating because I think this book speaks strongly about the courageous journey a teen goes through when faced with a difficult life event. The story is well told and makes me want to share with my middle school students. Reading a story like this could help encourage others to share their stories or seek help. A teachable tool.
September 19, 2019
Loved this book! Perfect for 8th grade and up.
October 1, 2018
maybe 1.5/5? 2/5?
TW: sexual assault, trauma
For a book that touches on such an important topic, I'm really disappointed that I didn't like it. I read this for a YA lit class in uni, and I had never heard of it before, which makes me even more disappointed in it.
If you don't know, this novel follows Tori the day after she is sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. To cope with the trauma, Tori vows to become more tough, more hard, so that no one can walk over her or try to take advantage of her again. She soon discovers, however, that this isn't the way to cope, and a little girl at a women and children's shelter helps Tori to learn just that.
To be blunt, I have several issues with this novel. First off, the writing is too simple, too utilitarian. It's clunky - to use the phrase of my roommate - and it makes this tiny, 200 page book feel as though it's dragging along as it points to things to tell you about. Especially the very beginning and end. "I did this because of this. And also this. Then I did this."
I also was disappointed in Tori. Not because she was trying to cope with trauma, but because she's so mean towards the other girls in the novel. She sort of grows out of this, but it's never pointed out just how hard she is on the girls around her. She resorts to calling a rival soccer team the "Blue Bitches," she calls out girls (in her narration) on what they wear and how they look. I know all teens are judgemental and self-centred, but Tori never really learns exactly how harmful and constructed thinking these things are.
So yeah, I wouldn't recommend this, but I also wouldn't totally stop you from reading it.
TW: sexual assault, trauma
For a book that touches on such an important topic, I'm really disappointed that I didn't like it. I read this for a YA lit class in uni, and I had never heard of it before, which makes me even more disappointed in it.
If you don't know, this novel follows Tori the day after she is sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. To cope with the trauma, Tori vows to become more tough, more hard, so that no one can walk over her or try to take advantage of her again. She soon discovers, however, that this isn't the way to cope, and a little girl at a women and children's shelter helps Tori to learn just that.
To be blunt, I have several issues with this novel. First off, the writing is too simple, too utilitarian. It's clunky - to use the phrase of my roommate - and it makes this tiny, 200 page book feel as though it's dragging along as it points to things to tell you about. Especially the very beginning and end. "I did this because of this. And also this. Then I did this."
I also was disappointed in Tori. Not because she was trying to cope with trauma, but because she's so mean towards the other girls in the novel. She sort of grows out of this, but it's never pointed out just how hard she is on the girls around her. She resorts to calling a rival soccer team the "Blue Bitches," she calls out girls (in her narration) on what they wear and how they look. I know all teens are judgemental and self-centred, but Tori never really learns exactly how harmful and constructed thinking these things are.
So yeah, I wouldn't recommend this, but I also wouldn't totally stop you from reading it.
December 17, 2019
This book was tough, like it’s main character, who I admired a lot.
Tori is a bad ass character who is strong (even though she doesn’t know it) and I love how, throughout the book, she learns that. I especially love her relationship with Casey, which was very heart warming and inspiring.
I relate to Tori so much, since I’ve been in a similar situation (though not as extreme) and it’s SCARY to have to pretend everything is normal, even though you feel angry and ashamed. The way the author of this book handles the topic of sexual assault is amazing. So many books try to write about this topic but fail. This book conveyed the emotions on POINT— the anger, fear and shame. It was such a relief to actually have a well written book that not only respected the topic, but the victims as well. I’d definitely recommend this if you liked Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Anyway— what more can I say about this book? The writing was well written, it sounded like a real teen who wrote it all out. I love that. Plus, it got descriptive when it needed to be, which really made things pop when they needed to, you know? I love how the author makes you feel Tori’s anger and fear. I will definitely read this again AND I SO RECOMMEND! It’s so good! It took me like two hours and some change to read! So— GO READ IT ALREADY!!
Tori is a bad ass character who is strong (even though she doesn’t know it) and I love how, throughout the book, she learns that. I especially love her relationship with Casey, which was very heart warming and inspiring.
I relate to Tori so much, since I’ve been in a similar situation (though not as extreme) and it’s SCARY to have to pretend everything is normal, even though you feel angry and ashamed. The way the author of this book handles the topic of sexual assault is amazing. So many books try to write about this topic but fail. This book conveyed the emotions on POINT— the anger, fear and shame. It was such a relief to actually have a well written book that not only respected the topic, but the victims as well. I’d definitely recommend this if you liked Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Anyway— what more can I say about this book? The writing was well written, it sounded like a real teen who wrote it all out. I love that. Plus, it got descriptive when it needed to be, which really made things pop when they needed to, you know? I love how the author makes you feel Tori’s anger and fear. I will definitely read this again AND I SO RECOMMEND! It’s so good! It took me like two hours and some change to read! So— GO READ IT ALREADY!!
October 1, 2017
I find my voice.
"He tried to rape me." The words flutter free. "Again."
Why did I think that speaking out would hurt me?
Punch Like a Girl is not about attempted date rape; it is a story about the power of finally speaking out.
After Tori is sexually assaulted by her controlling ex-boyfriend, she lashes out at others and herself, physically and emotionally. But through standing up for others, she learns to stand up for herself, not by punching and pushing away, but by letting others in and sharing her story, thereby healing herself.
This novel is a good quick read for teens—without any graphic description or profanity. One strength is that it doesn't bash all males; there are some wonderfully drawn male teen characters—Jamarlo, Daniel, Sal, and finally, even Joel. The story also shows the complexity of adolescent female relationships.
"He tried to rape me." The words flutter free. "Again."
Why did I think that speaking out would hurt me?
Punch Like a Girl is not about attempted date rape; it is a story about the power of finally speaking out.
After Tori is sexually assaulted by her controlling ex-boyfriend, she lashes out at others and herself, physically and emotionally. But through standing up for others, she learns to stand up for herself, not by punching and pushing away, but by letting others in and sharing her story, thereby healing herself.
This novel is a good quick read for teens—without any graphic description or profanity. One strength is that it doesn't bash all males; there are some wonderfully drawn male teen characters—Jamarlo, Daniel, Sal, and finally, even Joel. The story also shows the complexity of adolescent female relationships.
September 3, 2018
This book was simply amazing. I loved everything about this book, from plot, characters, and themes.
Tori is a fierce character who suffered something traumatic that pushes her to be ‘tougher’ and she believes she will achieve this by first looking like it. So she shaved her head. Honestly, this was a pretty powerful statement and I think the way she treats it is spectacular because it shows she doesn’t give a shit anymore about things that are now superficial. Honestly, her anger was so raw that I literally felt it myself while reading it. I loved how she was loyal and caring towards everyone important in her life.
I loved the addition of having her volunteer at a shelter. I think it really developed Tori’s character and added so much to the plot.
This was a tremendous read, highly recommended.
Tori is a fierce character who suffered something traumatic that pushes her to be ‘tougher’ and she believes she will achieve this by first looking like it. So she shaved her head. Honestly, this was a pretty powerful statement and I think the way she treats it is spectacular because it shows she doesn’t give a shit anymore about things that are now superficial. Honestly, her anger was so raw that I literally felt it myself while reading it. I loved how she was loyal and caring towards everyone important in her life.
I loved the addition of having her volunteer at a shelter. I think it really developed Tori’s character and added so much to the plot.
This was a tremendous read, highly recommended.
October 22, 2019
i managed to complete my read through of this book so it was not terrible, however it was by no means the best book I've read. This is the story about a high school girl going through some personal struggles. the reason why I did not like this book very much is that it is quite predictable and the ending is too perfect. What i mean by this is that everything came together in an almost Disney-like fashion.
Another thing is I did not like the main character of this book personally. She just isn't relatable to me. She goes from trying to save any living thing from danger and getting super upset over a dead squirrel to beating up bullies and cutting herself of from everyone the cares for her. I'm sure that there are many people who can relate to this behavior but to me personally, i can't easily relate to any of these experiences.
Another thing is I did not like the main character of this book personally. She just isn't relatable to me. She goes from trying to save any living thing from danger and getting super upset over a dead squirrel to beating up bullies and cutting herself of from everyone the cares for her. I'm sure that there are many people who can relate to this behavior but to me personally, i can't easily relate to any of these experiences.
January 14, 2021
I really enjoyed the book I read it a while ago though even so I really enjoyed it because I found the story inspiring and realistic. Despite what anyone says this book is really good and I hope you enjoy reading it. Happy reading! This novel contains dark subject matter pls be advised. (It does not go so deep into it but it covers it)
September 17, 2018
This was a really nice story about a girl going through a tough experience. You really sympathize with Tori as she struggles to get over her issues. Also, this book was the perfect length; it wasn't long, and it didn't need to be.
December 28, 2025
I appreciated Karen's realistic take on the vulnerability young women experience in their relationships particularly with young men who are not yet mature enough to think of their girlfriends as human beings rather than objects.
July 28, 2017
I liked Tori. She was a genuine character
May 27, 2018
Great book about dealing with life's struggles as a teenager. Kept my attention. Gave me conversation topic to talk to my teens and their friends. I recommend it.
October 4, 2018
I'm considering writing a review for this one, so more thoughts to come.
November 10, 2018
The best book to read about how to over come problems
October 18, 2019
loved it!!!!!!!!!!But it is for 13 years and up because it is a little inappropriate
July 20, 2021
I loved how raw this book is. It shows that sometimes, it’s not sadness but anger that gets you. Tori’s amazing and I could relate so much to here. Read this book!
Ishya
Ishya
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2021
This was a good book but personally I didn’t really connect with the characters
April 17, 2025
Casey is the sweetest little kid ever but icl tori is kind of unlikeable.
January 3, 2026
thos is mynnew favorite book, it was really good
February 7, 2017
I really loved this book. I loved that Tori is such a fighter and is so strong. It means a lot to me that she got through this awful thing and is working on getting better. I admire a writer who is willing to touch this subject because there are girls out there who need to read about this. That it is okay to talk about it. That it is okay to not be okay. And most importantly, that you will survive, even if it doesn't feel like you will.
October 25, 2016
Scary sad emotional good and sometimes funny my favourite character was Rachel I liked the discrimination I would recommend to all the girls in my class ✌
February 27, 2017
Tori is a badass with some secrets as to why she's as rebellious as she is, why she decided to shave her head and why she's suddenly more violent then she's ever been before.
This story touches on quite a few important topics for teens and young adults such as rape; abduction; abuse, etc. I found this book compelling and hard to put down but at the same time it was super predictable in the plot. I do think that teens will really enjoy this book as I did as an adult.
I would definitely recommend picking it up ESP. If you like hard hitting or ya books with some tough topics. Thank you to library thing early reviewers and orca publishing for the free copy!
More like a 3.5 star for me
This story touches on quite a few important topics for teens and young adults such as rape; abduction; abuse, etc. I found this book compelling and hard to put down but at the same time it was super predictable in the plot. I do think that teens will really enjoy this book as I did as an adult.
I would definitely recommend picking it up ESP. If you like hard hitting or ya books with some tough topics. Thank you to library thing early reviewers and orca publishing for the free copy!
More like a 3.5 star for me
March 15, 2016
While reading this book, the reader is able to get in the mid of the main character and see things from Tori's point of view. The reader goes through the struggles that she goes through like being shut out, silenced, and being misunderstood. At the beginning of the book, the reader become a bit confused because we don't really get why Tori is asking a bit different but we later find out her past and how that has affected her. Because Tori was taken advantage of, we finally understand why she has changed her appearance, so people don't find her attractive and they don't want to do things with her. The reader also gets to be involved in the attachment she has for the children at the shelter. Those kids and their parents have no home because they are trying to get away or get out of an abusive relationship. The readers get full understanding of why she is attached to that place. Since she has been abused, she feels a connection and also sympathy for the parents and the children there. This book is great for young adults because it is an easy read but also because it is a good book on how young people can go through problems and basically a crisis. This book was really interesting to read and also had many plot twists and little details that made this book even more interesting.
November 28, 2015
Lately, Tori has been violent, getting into fights, which led to community service. She helped out at a shelter for victims of domestic violence, and made a special connection with a girl who has faced enough horror in her life, and only recently started talking. When Cassie, the girl who she had acquired a bond with, gets abducted by her abusive father while under her supervision, she is ridden with guilt. When Cassie is found, and she is once again refusing to talk, Tori decides to speak up about events that have happened in her life, and realizes that speaking out is sometimes better than lashing out.
I don't know what to think of this book. It had a good message, and it was a good idea, but I don't know if i really enjoyed it. I don't really know why. I guess there wasn't enough action for me, because I read more science fiction and dystopian books.
What I really liked was the part with the butterfly. At the start, I was like why is there a butterfly on the cover? This girl doesn't seem like a butterfly kind of girl, but when I read it, it I realized it was much more than "just" a butterfly.
I thought this was a pretty good book, I would rate it 3.5 stars.
I don't know what to think of this book. It had a good message, and it was a good idea, but I don't know if i really enjoyed it. I don't really know why. I guess there wasn't enough action for me, because I read more science fiction and dystopian books.
What I really liked was the part with the butterfly. At the start, I was like why is there a butterfly on the cover? This girl doesn't seem like a butterfly kind of girl, but when I read it, it I realized it was much more than "just" a butterfly.
I thought this was a pretty good book, I would rate it 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews