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Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President
Elected as the junior high school president three times in a row, determined and driven Lucia has got her life right on track, but when an event happens and she ends up being impeached, Lucia must figure out exactly what needs to be done to get back in the game. Original.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2008
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Morris
24 books48 followersI write books and stuff for teens and tweens.
Author for celebrity chef and Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis' series, RECIPE FOR ADVENTURE, about how food can take you places, published by Penguin's Grosset & Dunlap. The books are, "Naples!" "Paris!" "Hong Kong!" and "New Orleans!"
HELLO, GORGEOUS! is a series about a well-intentioned blabbermouth who works at her mom's hair salon. The books are "Blowout," "Foiled," "Tangled," "Swept Up," and "'Do and Don'ts." Published by Penguin's Grosset & Dunlap.
I also wrote "BFF Breakup," "Class Favorite" and "Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President" for Simon & Schuster's Aladdin/MIX line.
I'm a full-time writer and freelance editor.
Author for celebrity chef and Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis' series, RECIPE FOR ADVENTURE, about how food can take you places, published by Penguin's Grosset & Dunlap. The books are, "Naples!" "Paris!" "Hong Kong!" and "New Orleans!"
HELLO, GORGEOUS! is a series about a well-intentioned blabbermouth who works at her mom's hair salon. The books are "Blowout," "Foiled," "Tangled," "Swept Up," and "'Do and Don'ts." Published by Penguin's Grosset & Dunlap.
I also wrote "BFF Breakup," "Class Favorite" and "Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President" for Simon & Schuster's Aladdin/MIX line.
I'm a full-time writer and freelance editor.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 20, 2008
8th grader Lucia is so excited about her three-peat as Student Council president that she doesn't quite follow the Council bylaws. Disaster ensues and she has to try and salvage her reputation and friendships.
This and Morris' other book, CLASS FAVORITE, are part of an imprint that has a lipgloss image on the cover, so I think they're supposed to be a light tween read. But Morris gives depth and individuality to her stories and characters. She also makes them compulsively readable. I lingered at my kitchen table because I had to know how the political scandal would be resolved and where the potential romance was heading. And although I'm a NorthEasterner, the Texan undertone rings true for me.
This and Morris' other book, CLASS FAVORITE, are part of an imprint that has a lipgloss image on the cover, so I think they're supposed to be a light tween read. But Morris gives depth and individuality to her stories and characters. She also makes them compulsively readable. I lingered at my kitchen table because I had to know how the political scandal would be resolved and where the potential romance was heading. And although I'm a NorthEasterner, the Texan undertone rings true for me.
July 1, 2009
Sweet and fun. I really enjoyed reading this.
January 28, 2009
At first I thought this book was cover endearing to MG readers, because, really, isn’t it cute? I’d at least have picked it up back when I was categorically MG.
Now I have to wonder who the hell designed this. With that package, don’t you think it’s a cutesy story about a sixth grader or something similar? Even the description seems to point in that direction
...
So imagine my surprise when I began reading and found that this pretty much borders lower YA. When I was in seventh and eighth grade I was already devouring older YA books—and if this had come out back then, I probably wouldn’t have deemed it too immature to be read by my more-grown-up-than-thou self.
So, yeah, it’s fine for older people.
When Taylor offered this to me, she said she “appreciated honesty, both negative and positive”. I’m sure this is her half-blessing for me to make of her book what I will, and while I do love getting my snark on, I regret to inform you, Taylor, that it won’t make an appearance this time around :)
I really liked this. (Second positive MG review in less than a week—wow, I’m a groupie!) Let me make a list of why because I’ve tried straight reviewing and it’s not working on this:
The character building was excellent. I could imagine these characters leading their life as depicted. What I mean is, it didn’t feel like any were plot devices yet they all moved the plot forward anyway.
Boxing! I quite don’t like it myself, but Lucia had a knack for making it both relevant and fun to read about. Not to mention the fact she actually deduced real-life lessons from boxing, which makes her character perceptive and reflective.
And the plot was pretty fun, too.
Now, there were some sketchy things left unanswered...
I’d argue that what Melanie did was as bad as what Lucia did. Why was Lucia the only one who had to step down?
What was Nicole’s deal? She was the knickers-in-a-twist school paper reporter who made all her articles sound negative at Lucia’s expense. I was hoping her vindictive attitude toward Lucia would be a subplot, but alas...
The online polls thing. When I was in junior high, we couldn’t do the most ridiculous things like wear bandanas because they’d been used as gang signs in the past and the school didn’t want to encourage bullying. The US is notorious for a strict zero-tolerance policy for any type of mild, suggestive bullying demeanor—so what was up with the allowed online cattiness? (This is pretty anal of me, but then again, I am rather fond of using my posterior as the looking-glass to the rest of the world.)
BUT, my persnickety observations aside, great read. I could see how this might be able to stretch into a series—more time to explore Lucia and Cooper’s oo-la-la-ness a little more.
Recommended!
Blog review link: http://reviewerx.blogspot.com/2008/09...
Now I have to wonder who the hell designed this. With that package, don’t you think it’s a cutesy story about a sixth grader or something similar? Even the description seems to point in that direction
...
So imagine my surprise when I began reading and found that this pretty much borders lower YA. When I was in seventh and eighth grade I was already devouring older YA books—and if this had come out back then, I probably wouldn’t have deemed it too immature to be read by my more-grown-up-than-thou self.
So, yeah, it’s fine for older people.
When Taylor offered this to me, she said she “appreciated honesty, both negative and positive”. I’m sure this is her half-blessing for me to make of her book what I will, and while I do love getting my snark on, I regret to inform you, Taylor, that it won’t make an appearance this time around :)
I really liked this. (Second positive MG review in less than a week—wow, I’m a groupie!) Let me make a list of why because I’ve tried straight reviewing and it’s not working on this:
The character building was excellent. I could imagine these characters leading their life as depicted. What I mean is, it didn’t feel like any were plot devices yet they all moved the plot forward anyway.
Boxing! I quite don’t like it myself, but Lucia had a knack for making it both relevant and fun to read about. Not to mention the fact she actually deduced real-life lessons from boxing, which makes her character perceptive and reflective.
And the plot was pretty fun, too.
Now, there were some sketchy things left unanswered...
I’d argue that what Melanie did was as bad as what Lucia did. Why was Lucia the only one who had to step down?
What was Nicole’s deal? She was the knickers-in-a-twist school paper reporter who made all her articles sound negative at Lucia’s expense. I was hoping her vindictive attitude toward Lucia would be a subplot, but alas...
The online polls thing. When I was in junior high, we couldn’t do the most ridiculous things like wear bandanas because they’d been used as gang signs in the past and the school didn’t want to encourage bullying. The US is notorious for a strict zero-tolerance policy for any type of mild, suggestive bullying demeanor—so what was up with the allowed online cattiness? (This is pretty anal of me, but then again, I am rather fond of using my posterior as the looking-glass to the rest of the world.)
BUT, my persnickety observations aside, great read. I could see how this might be able to stretch into a series—more time to explore Lucia and Cooper’s oo-la-la-ness a little more.
Recommended!
Blog review link: http://reviewerx.blogspot.com/2008/09...
January 3, 2010
Lucia Latham has to win the election. She just has to! She was president in sixth and seventh grade. Never has the same student been voted president of Angus Junior High three years in a row, and Lucia will do whatever it takes to make history, including talking her friend, Melanie, into running for president. There’s no way Melanie will beat her, and when she comes in second, then Melanie would become her vice-president. And with her best friend, Cooper, running unopposed for secretary, shell have no problems getting the council to go along with her big idea!
But, in asking Melanie to run, she doesn’t figure in the possibility that Melanie might actually be more popular that she is. And when the principal puts Lucia’s big plan into motion, Lucia doesn’t expect the students, including those on her own council, to hate it. And since nobody else really cares about student council the way she does, Lucia certainly never expected Nicole Jeffries, the school’s top reporter, to discover that she had broken one of the student council by-laws, resulting in a scathing article that called for Lucia to resign or be impeached!
As Lucia’s presidency crumbles she finds she has no one to talk to. Her father has been little more than useless since losing his job. Her mother, already stressed from having to carry the full financial load, is all out of sympathy. And Melanie seems to actually enjoy being the new president. Lucia heads over to Cooper’s to vent and ends up confused and angry when she finds him boxing with Melanie!
What will Lucia decide to do when she finds out about Melanie’s plan for the big yearly 8th grade fundraiser? Will she be able to help her dad find his way back into the game? And what about Cooper? Will she ever be able to look at him like she used to? Her best friend ever?
Once again, Ms. Morris has created a delightful cast of characters. The reader will relate to Melanie’s frustration after doing something she knew was wrong, and now having to cope with the natural consequences. They’ll recognize her confused emotions as Cooper stirs strange feelings, and her resulting jealousy of Melanie. Sprinkle in a few upper cuts and jabs, and the result is a total knock-out! Although this second book is more serious than Taylor Morris’ debut novel, if you loved CLASS FAVORITE, you will be equally thrilled with TOTAL KNOCKOUT!
But, in asking Melanie to run, she doesn’t figure in the possibility that Melanie might actually be more popular that she is. And when the principal puts Lucia’s big plan into motion, Lucia doesn’t expect the students, including those on her own council, to hate it. And since nobody else really cares about student council the way she does, Lucia certainly never expected Nicole Jeffries, the school’s top reporter, to discover that she had broken one of the student council by-laws, resulting in a scathing article that called for Lucia to resign or be impeached!
As Lucia’s presidency crumbles she finds she has no one to talk to. Her father has been little more than useless since losing his job. Her mother, already stressed from having to carry the full financial load, is all out of sympathy. And Melanie seems to actually enjoy being the new president. Lucia heads over to Cooper’s to vent and ends up confused and angry when she finds him boxing with Melanie!
What will Lucia decide to do when she finds out about Melanie’s plan for the big yearly 8th grade fundraiser? Will she be able to help her dad find his way back into the game? And what about Cooper? Will she ever be able to look at him like she used to? Her best friend ever?
Once again, Ms. Morris has created a delightful cast of characters. The reader will relate to Melanie’s frustration after doing something she knew was wrong, and now having to cope with the natural consequences. They’ll recognize her confused emotions as Cooper stirs strange feelings, and her resulting jealousy of Melanie. Sprinkle in a few upper cuts and jabs, and the result is a total knock-out! Although this second book is more serious than Taylor Morris’ debut novel, if you loved CLASS FAVORITE, you will be equally thrilled with TOTAL KNOCKOUT!
August 3, 2008
Lucia Latham is nothing if not driven. She’s going to be elected as president of her junior high school for the third time, a feat never accomplished before. To top that off, Lucia is also a boxer who wakes up extra early every day to practice with her best friend Cooper. Lucie is determined to leave her mark on her junior high school even greater than being a three-time president. But will Lucia know when she is taking it too far? And will she be able to pick herself up if she falls? Total Knockout is Lucia’s story of family, friendship, and personal image problems.
Totally Knockout is the slightly humorous but very meaningful story of a young girl learning from her mistakes and fixing them. Lucia’s character is very easy to understand, because I’m sure we’ve all been greedy at one time or another. I found it a little amusing when Lucia didn’t completely think her plans through, but that turned out to be her downfall. Nevertheless, I still like Lucia’s character and was cheering for her to clean up her mess. Some of the other characters, on the other hand, were more difficult for me to understand; they weren’t as well developed because the story was told from Lucia’s point-of-view. The most interesting addition to the plot was Lucia’s boxing, and although I didn’t understand many (or any) of the references to boxers, I did like how Lucia applied boxing principles to her life. I also liked how boxing connected Lucia and her father.
Like Taylor Morris’ other novel, Class Favorite, Total Knockout is most suitable for the middle grade audience. Older readers may enjoy this book too.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Totally Knockout is the slightly humorous but very meaningful story of a young girl learning from her mistakes and fixing them. Lucia’s character is very easy to understand, because I’m sure we’ve all been greedy at one time or another. I found it a little amusing when Lucia didn’t completely think her plans through, but that turned out to be her downfall. Nevertheless, I still like Lucia’s character and was cheering for her to clean up her mess. Some of the other characters, on the other hand, were more difficult for me to understand; they weren’t as well developed because the story was told from Lucia’s point-of-view. The most interesting addition to the plot was Lucia’s boxing, and although I didn’t understand many (or any) of the references to boxers, I did like how Lucia applied boxing principles to her life. I also liked how boxing connected Lucia and her father.
Like Taylor Morris’ other novel, Class Favorite, Total Knockout is most suitable for the middle grade audience. Older readers may enjoy this book too.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
August 30, 2015
The politically interesting story “ Total Knockout/ Tale of an ex-class President” written by Taylor Morris explains Lucia’s journey in becoming Junior High class president for the third time. Last year, Lucia was a competitive Boxer who would wake up at five a.m to train and would be the class president at the same time. Amazingly, Lucia was able to handle her work and early morning practice without any problems. At one point last year, Lucia started to have some problems controlling all her work. This year, Lucia wasn’t putting her hopes up for her being elected as class president. Little did she know, Lucia was elected for the third time in a row. Now Lucia needs to find a way to make things better then last year. As one can see, this book talks about Junior High politics in an interesting way.
November 23, 2013
So I am now officially addicted to Taylor Morris' books. Her characters and plotlines are just great to read about, especially this one. I never realized how much I like reading about school politics until recently, after reading this one and Popular Vote by Micol Ostow. I also loved the inclusion of boxing into Lucia's life; it added a fun, unique element to the novel. Most authors worry about a sophomore slump but I actually think this novel is much better than her first Class Favorite. The action is more compelling, and reading about Lucia's troubles are more exciting and the stakes are much higher than Sara's in Class Favorite.
October 2, 2009
i'm going 2 read this book next after kisses and lies
September 18, 2011
This book is so High school-ish! I think it would be awesome if they make it into a tv series
August 26, 2013
this book was funny. It taught me to stand up for what's right and to be brave and never be intimidated by anything or anyone.
April 18, 2011
it was cute
January 17, 2012
It was ok but the main character annoyed me
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews