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The Contender
Before you can be a champion, you have to be a contender.
Alfred Brooks is scared. He's a highschool dropout and his grocery store job is leading nowhere. His best friend is sinking further and further into drug addiction. Some street kids are after him for something he didn't even do. So Alfred begins going to Donatelli's Gym, a boxing club in Harlem that has trained champions. There he learns it's the effort, not the win, that makes the man -- that last desperate struggle to get back on your feet when you thought you were down for the count.
Alfred Brooks is scared. He's a highschool dropout and his grocery store job is leading nowhere. His best friend is sinking further and further into drug addiction. Some street kids are after him for something he didn't even do. So Alfred begins going to Donatelli's Gym, a boxing club in Harlem that has trained champions. There he learns it's the effort, not the win, that makes the man -- that last desperate struggle to get back on your feet when you thought you were down for the count.
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 607 reviews
October 30, 2012
(by Narayan Neupane) Date(Jan-8-11)
I found this book on ms. nelson class. That was my reading ESL class. when I saw the cover of the book, I saw one guys with wearing a boxer gloves that make me to read. When I saw that I think that could be the best book. Also I though that I can get some lesson from that book so that is why I like this book and I think that this book will be also hard but when I read I am interested on this book. I am interested to know something and I start to read.
"The Contender" by Robert Lyipsyte is a story about a young man named Alfred. Who was taken in by his aunt when he was young because of his drug-addicted parents? When I look at the book title it sounds me like struggling before being a winner. As I go through inner part of the book it gets more interesting. I never thought Alfred was high school droop out and always hangs out with his best friend James and James' friends Major and Hollis.
Of course, Alfred was my best character. The reason Alfred was my favorite character was, when Alfred was on boxer game in gym, he loses, but he did not let himself down and he did not make himself a loser. He was trying again and again. Also, when Alfred was dropout from high school, at that time he might make his life worse like other high school dropout student, but he change his life in different way. He joins the Donatelli’s gym. Donatelli’s was owner of a boxing gym and he was a retire boxer coach. Alfred struggle for his future life even though he was a high school dropout.
The conflict on the story was, James and his friend offer Alfred to hang along with them while they robbed the Epstein's grocery store where Alfred works. Minutes later Alfred realizes that the Epstein's put a new silent alarm system in the store and he races to try to stop them. Those friends become safe by being arrested. Also, when Alfred was in uncle house, he used to get drunk, but when he saw love between husband and wife he start to ignore the alcoholic things. Some of the kids on street are after Alfred; to overcome the problems Alfred join the gym.
I want to recommend that book “contender” is really an interesting book to read; and, it is good to study for those people who are trying to do a boxer. This book is good for those people who are young and want to be contender because in this book Alfred was only six tin year old when he get dropout of high school. I think that fighting for right is good. It can make society better. If one person refused to do bad thing like Alfred then the trouble will decreases on society. When you read this book you will see fair, love, life, friend and also teacher who used to be kind. The main thing you can get chance to read was one guy who was hopeless and who don't have any ideas about his life he improve. At the end, as usual like the hero never lose. In this story Alfred became contender.
I found this book on ms. nelson class. That was my reading ESL class. when I saw the cover of the book, I saw one guys with wearing a boxer gloves that make me to read. When I saw that I think that could be the best book. Also I though that I can get some lesson from that book so that is why I like this book and I think that this book will be also hard but when I read I am interested on this book. I am interested to know something and I start to read.
"The Contender" by Robert Lyipsyte is a story about a young man named Alfred. Who was taken in by his aunt when he was young because of his drug-addicted parents? When I look at the book title it sounds me like struggling before being a winner. As I go through inner part of the book it gets more interesting. I never thought Alfred was high school droop out and always hangs out with his best friend James and James' friends Major and Hollis.
Of course, Alfred was my best character. The reason Alfred was my favorite character was, when Alfred was on boxer game in gym, he loses, but he did not let himself down and he did not make himself a loser. He was trying again and again. Also, when Alfred was dropout from high school, at that time he might make his life worse like other high school dropout student, but he change his life in different way. He joins the Donatelli’s gym. Donatelli’s was owner of a boxing gym and he was a retire boxer coach. Alfred struggle for his future life even though he was a high school dropout.
The conflict on the story was, James and his friend offer Alfred to hang along with them while they robbed the Epstein's grocery store where Alfred works. Minutes later Alfred realizes that the Epstein's put a new silent alarm system in the store and he races to try to stop them. Those friends become safe by being arrested. Also, when Alfred was in uncle house, he used to get drunk, but when he saw love between husband and wife he start to ignore the alcoholic things. Some of the kids on street are after Alfred; to overcome the problems Alfred join the gym.
I want to recommend that book “contender” is really an interesting book to read; and, it is good to study for those people who are trying to do a boxer. This book is good for those people who are young and want to be contender because in this book Alfred was only six tin year old when he get dropout of high school. I think that fighting for right is good. It can make society better. If one person refused to do bad thing like Alfred then the trouble will decreases on society. When you read this book you will see fair, love, life, friend and also teacher who used to be kind. The main thing you can get chance to read was one guy who was hopeless and who don't have any ideas about his life he improve. At the end, as usual like the hero never lose. In this story Alfred became contender.
April 3, 2017
This book is about a teen named alfred Brooks. He dropout of high school and now is a poor teen living in the poor street. He takes boxing school once he heard about it. I like this book because I also like boxing.
November 17, 2017
When your best friend of 15 years goes is becoming a drug addict, there are a few choices you have in dealing with it. Either you can change your lifestyle, or fall into the same path. Alfred Brooks chose to change his lifestyle, from being a high school dropout working in a grocery store to becoming a contender. This story is about how a young boy has to make decisions for himself, whether it be about boxing, or life. Thanks to Mr. Donatelli, Henry and Mr. Epstein, Alfred made it onto a good path. This story takes place in Harlem in approximately the 1960s. He used to hang out with James, his best friend, and Major and Hollis, but only when he had to. James, Hollis, and Major all decided to break into the grocery store that Alfred works at. James got caught and sent to jail, because Alfred forgot about a newly installed alarm system. Major and Hollis beat up Alfred, which is when Henry found him. Henry talked Alfred into going to Donatelli's gym. Alfred decided he wanted to take up boxing so his training began. After about six weeks of training, Alfred didn't think he was going to get a chance to fight so he went and partied with Major. Drugs and alcohol overcame Alfred. Two days later, Alfred told Donatelli he wanted to quit. Alfred began training again and eventually got his chance to fight. After many good matches, Alfred had one last one before he felt he should retire. The last match was against an opponent that was bigger, stronger, and overall better than Alfred. He knew it was time to retire after he lost the match. That same night, James broke into the grocery store again and the police were looking for him. Alfred found James and promised him they were going to make their lives good together. Did James take Alfred up on his promise? That is for you to find out by reading this thrilling novel. Along the way, Alfred gained a new confidence in himself. He also learned how to push through tough times and become a "contender" in life. Sometimes in life, being a contender is better than being a champion.
I can relate to this book because I am soon going to be a collegiate athlete. Sports are very fun, but in college, it takes a lot more dedication than most people realize. When I read about Mr. Donatelli, it reminded me of my father. He put a lot of pressure on me, but it was all my choice in how hard I wanted to work. I wanted to read this book because it was about sports, but I knew there would be a deeper meaning that involves life. I can relate to Alfred because he is my age and he is trying to become somebody. He resorted to boxing, just like I am resorting to softball. I think this book lived up to it's promise of finding out who you are, and learning how to get there. It didn't revolve around just sports either, these lessons can easily be applied to life.
You should read this book if you are interested in seeing anyone become "somebody" out of their own determination. It has the potential to even motivate you as a reader! There are not many books that can do that. The chapters would always be cliffhangers, so I could never put the book down. It is slightly over 200 pages so it is a quick read when you have free time. This book is intended for young adults, but is for any sport-lovers that find life lessons through their activities. This book may not be for people sensitive to racial issues, drugs and violence. It does talk about slavery, describes the use of drugs and its effects, and a good amount of violence, not even just inside the ring. If you enjoy sports I suggest you go get this book from a library, or even buy it so you can experience the motivation Alfred experienced!
I can relate to this book because I am soon going to be a collegiate athlete. Sports are very fun, but in college, it takes a lot more dedication than most people realize. When I read about Mr. Donatelli, it reminded me of my father. He put a lot of pressure on me, but it was all my choice in how hard I wanted to work. I wanted to read this book because it was about sports, but I knew there would be a deeper meaning that involves life. I can relate to Alfred because he is my age and he is trying to become somebody. He resorted to boxing, just like I am resorting to softball. I think this book lived up to it's promise of finding out who you are, and learning how to get there. It didn't revolve around just sports either, these lessons can easily be applied to life.
You should read this book if you are interested in seeing anyone become "somebody" out of their own determination. It has the potential to even motivate you as a reader! There are not many books that can do that. The chapters would always be cliffhangers, so I could never put the book down. It is slightly over 200 pages so it is a quick read when you have free time. This book is intended for young adults, but is for any sport-lovers that find life lessons through their activities. This book may not be for people sensitive to racial issues, drugs and violence. It does talk about slavery, describes the use of drugs and its effects, and a good amount of violence, not even just inside the ring. If you enjoy sports I suggest you go get this book from a library, or even buy it so you can experience the motivation Alfred experienced!
October 18, 2013
This book was a really great example of how hard work and dedication can really get you a long way. This book takes place in Harlem, New York in the middle of the twentieth century. The main character of this book is a seventeen year old boy who's an orphan living with his aunt and nieces. Alfred works at a store during the day, and trains to be a boxer in the morning. At one point in the story, he gets himself caught up with a gang that he's had some history with in the past. After these incidents, he thinks about quitting on boxing. But, he got back on the right track and continued to fight.
This is a really good book that I enjoyed a lot. I think this book can relate to a lot of people in the real world. For example, a lot of people that live in tough neighborhoods probably have to go through the same things that Alfred did. The writing in this book is really powerful because it's really detailed in all of the problems he faces in the streets. I definitely recommend this book to all of my classmates.
This is a really good book that I enjoyed a lot. I think this book can relate to a lot of people in the real world. For example, a lot of people that live in tough neighborhoods probably have to go through the same things that Alfred did. The writing in this book is really powerful because it's really detailed in all of the problems he faces in the streets. I definitely recommend this book to all of my classmates.
July 21, 2024
A “coming-of-age” sports story that I had never heard of, but is apparently fairly well known. It was solid, I think there were a few too many characters that convoluted the story and made it hard to follow at times.
November 7, 2008
This is an amazing book; I was intrigued from the very beginning of this novel. I would recommend this book to anybody that loves fighting and underdog stories. I think the authors intention to writing this book was to encourage young men that are living in the hood that and to let them know they don’t have to be bad like everybody else around them and with hard work they can really do something with their life. My favorite character was definitely the main character, Alfred Brooks, I felt like I had a great number of things in common with him, when he was 10 years old his father deserted Alfred and his mother, when I was 5 my dad abused me and my father and we had to leave, but a year later he was murdered, so I too know what its like not to have a father. This book made me feel a number of emotions, if I wasn't excited; I was captivated, this book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I wasn't able to predict the ending of the story at any point in the novel I just kept getting more and more excited as I kept reading it. All the similarities between me and Alfred kept me reading this book, it felt like I was reading a story about me but instead of it being about boxing my story would've been about football and all the adversity I've had to go through to get where I am today. If this book was made into a movie I would have to pick Columbus Short to be the actor to play Alfred Banks, Denzel Washington to play the part of Mr.Donetteli, and Ice Cube to play the part of Alfred’s best friend James. My favorite part of the book was when Alfred was training for boxing, it made me want to go outside and run for hours then come home and hit the weights until I couldn’t move another muscle to save my life. My least favorite character in the book was Major, Major was the antagonist of the story, he was always trying to fight Alfred and he was the leader of the bad group (the thiefs, punks, and potheads). My favorite quote of this book was this one said by Mr. Donetteli “when you get hurt in the ring for the first time, really hurt. Then I would know you were a contender.” because he wasn't just talking about fighting but he was talking about life in general. All in all I thought this was an amazing book.
-CHIP
-CHIP
November 16, 2011
The book the “The Contender” by Robert Lipstye was a decent book. I would recommend this book to my friend because it is a high paced book and its about sports. This book wasn’t amazing but it was pretty good that is why I rated it a four out of five. The Contender was about a highschool drop-out named Alfred Brooks. He lived in Harlem with his aunt and also he works part time at a grocery store. Alfred’s bestfriend got addicted to drugs and started to hang around with punks, therefore Alfred is surrounded by drugs and violence and has really nobody to help him with anything. Alfred always really liked boxing and one day he got beat up on the streets. This made him really want to box. He finally built up the confidence to go into Mr. Donatelli’s gym and he agrees to teach him how to box. Mr. Donatelli was a very good coach to Alfred and Alfred listened to anything that Mr. Donatelli had to tell him. The whole plot of this book was very good because it showed how he was surrounded by drugs and violence and he never got involved in any of that because he really loved the sport boxing. The book really makes you want to keep reading because you never know what is going to happen to Alfred on the streets or in the gym. This book does have violence and some harsh language, but i’m pretty sure that any 8th grader can handle it. The book “The Contender” by Robert Lipstye is highly recommended from me.
May 13, 2019
I would definetly rate The Contender 4 out of 5 stars. I really like the book, it was an interesting book. It was about a kid who dropped out of highschool. He is a boxer in training. His trainer helped him a lot. The book deserves 4 stars because it really grabbed my attention. Then I knew that this book was for me. I am not exactly sure why. I seem to like older books better. I dont know why though.
The book caught my groups attention and they all liked the book. It always left me wondering what would happen when I would stop reading. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read older books, with older themes. Like this one. If you like romance this book is definetly not for you.
They use a bit of racist language. That is a reason someone may not want to read the book. I would definetly reccomend this book to a friend. Because a lot of my friends would like the theme and the plot. Most of us like boxing and dreamed of becoming a boxer when we were younger.
The book caught my groups attention and they all liked the book. It always left me wondering what would happen when I would stop reading. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read older books, with older themes. Like this one. If you like romance this book is definetly not for you.
They use a bit of racist language. That is a reason someone may not want to read the book. I would definetly reccomend this book to a friend. Because a lot of my friends would like the theme and the plot. Most of us like boxing and dreamed of becoming a boxer when we were younger.
February 28, 2022
I loved this book. It is in my 10th grade homeschooled daughter's curriculum and I read it because it seemed interesting. This is a very well written book--lots of great imagery and a nice mix of stream of consciousness in with traditional narrative. Character development is great with Lipsyte creating an imperfect protagonist who struggles with making the right choices and learns a lot about himself in the process. Alfred, the protagonist, is 17, but I still think this is a "coming of age" book. I love the descriptions of Alfred's training and Donatelli, his coach's wise instructions. Even though Alfred has been orphaned, he has family in his aunts and cousins, and also in his boss, coach and best friend. I liked how loyal Alfred was to his best friend, even when he was rejected. All in all, a great find. Highly recommended.
**Reread this as my son is now doing the same curriculum. Still great!
**Reread this as my son is now doing the same curriculum. Still great!
August 10, 2009
If you get Bob Lipsyte talking about how The Contender came to be, he will tell you that the seed was planted when he took a man named Cus D’Amato out to dinner, shortly before he covered a boxing match in 1964 in Miami. Lipsyte would later go on to be a sports columnist for the New York Times, but in 1964 he was a cub reporter sent to cover the fight between Sonny Lipton and a new kid whom everyone thought would get knocked out in the first round, Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali).
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February 3, 2020Alfred Brooks is a high school dropout. Who's job, friends and street kids are holding him down and not getting him anywhere. So he joined Donatellis boxing gym to turn his life around. I like how he came from nothing to something as an athlete. I thought the book was very well written and kept me attached. I also like how he kept up the hard work. The book showed that if you work hard you can get anywhere. The book had pros and cons though. I didn't like however how long it took for his success. All in all it was a very good book though.
July 16, 2014
I wasn't expecting to like this at all. I've never appreciated sports movies much (though I liked "Warrior" a lot), and I thought I wouldn't appreciate a sports novel either.
But it turns out that most of the characters are wonderful, and that Mr. Donatelli is one of the best mentors I've ever read about. Thematically, this book is very good. I think sports novels go much deeper than movies do. The Contender is good fun to read and not just shallow entertainment.
But it turns out that most of the characters are wonderful, and that Mr. Donatelli is one of the best mentors I've ever read about. Thematically, this book is very good. I think sports novels go much deeper than movies do. The Contender is good fun to read and not just shallow entertainment.
March 18, 2016
As soon as I started listening to this book, I'm hooked so when the reader said 'the end' just as the H started looking forward, I literally shouted "NO!" because I don't want it to end.
It's a story of a young man trying to find his way despite his hard beginning. His circumstance are very relateable and I root for him, got annoyed with him, then cheer for him some more.
I loved it and even recommend this for young readers.
It's a story of a young man trying to find his way despite his hard beginning. His circumstance are very relateable and I root for him, got annoyed with him, then cheer for him some more.
I loved it and even recommend this for young readers.
September 18, 2015
when I got going I could not stop reading and there were some parts that was not as good but when I got to the end it was a cliff hanger.
January 14, 2011
The protagonist, Alfred Brooks is hanging out with his best friend, James, and James's friends Major and Hollis. The three of them want to break into the Epsteins' grocery store where Alfred works. Although Alfred does not go with them, he forgets about the new alarm system that the Epsteins just installed. James gets caught by the police, and later that night, Major and Hollis beat Alfred up. A man from the neighborhood, Henry, takes Alfred home. Henry mentions that he has been working for Mr. Donatelli, who owns a gym where he trains some famous boxers. Alfred goes to check out the gym and tells Mr. Donatelli that he wants to be special, he wants to be a champion. Donatelli tells him that first, he has to be a contender,someone for whom it is in the realm of possibility to be a champion.
The next night, Henry, Spoon, Jelly Belly, and Mr. Donatelli take Alfred to a boxing match at Madison Square Garden. Mr: Donatelli's most promising boxer, Willie Streeter, is competing in an important match. During the match, Streeter gets hurt, and Donatelli eventually concedes. Although Streeter is angry, Spoon says that Donatelli is the best manager around.
Alfred begins training for boxing. He runs, eats, and sleeps exactly in the way Mr: Donatelli prescribes. After six weeks of very hard work, Alfred becomes discouraged because he has never been in a real fight, he has only trained, exercised, and hit punching bags. Succumbing to his frustration and to his loneliness in having been separated from James, Alfred goes to a party thrown by Major, partially because of a promise that James would be there. Alfred resists the drugs and alcohol at first, but then he indulges. Eventually, James shows up but Alfred barely gets to speak to him, James is more interested in the heroin that Major offers him.
Alfred goes to Coney Island with Major the next day, narrowly missing a run-in with the police for Major's possession of a stolen car. The next few days Alfred is in a stupor and eventually goes back to the gym to get his clothes and equipment. While there, he asks Mr. Donatelli if he could have been a contender. Mr. Donatelli answers that he does not know and that he never knows the answer to that question until he sees how a boxer reacts to getting hurt. Needing to know the answer to that question himself, Alfred begins training again.
Alfred's progress is speedy. He learns that Mr. Epstein used to box as well, and the two of them begin to develop a renewed trust at work. Despite the protests of his Aunt Pearl, he trains until he is ready for his first fight. Spoon, Henry, and Jelly Belly take care of him that day by letting him relax, eat, and sleep. Alfred wins his first match by majority decision. Aunt Pearl questions him later, and he admits that he did not enjoy winning much but that he refuses to quit.
During his second fight, Alfred hits his opponent so hard that his opponent gets knocked unconscious. Alfred is sickened by the scene and is upset at the brutality of his own actions. Mr: Epstein, proud and impressed, pays for Alfred's lessons. Spoon tells Alfred that he should consider going to night school, and Alfred later reveals that he is planning on getting his high school diploma.
After his third fight, Donatelli tells Alfred it is time to retire. He says that Alfred does not have the requisite killer instinct. Alfred protests and says that while that may be true, he still doesn't "know," yet, because he has never been injured in the ring. Donatelli eventually lets Alfred persuade him into fighting one more match. Alfred faces an opponent who is bigger, stronger, and better in his final match, but he lasts through all the rounds. Although he loses by majority decision, he knows that the strength and bravery he displayed in the round is something of which to be proud. Satisfied, he retires.
That night Alfred learns that James has tried to break into the Epsteins' store again. Aunt Pearl tells him that the police are looking for James and will probably find him, because James cut himself and was bleeding badly. Alfred finds James in their old hideout in Central Park and convinces James to go to the hospital. He assures James that together, they will beat his drug addiction, find him a job and help him get back on track.
Alfred Brooks - Alfred, the protagonist, is the most dynamic character in the book. He undergoes many changes, both physical and emotional, and grows significantly throughout the length of the text. Lipsyte explores a number of issues— especially those that confront teenagers, through Alfred grow up in a dangerous neighborhood, financial struggles, drug and crime temptations, lack of education, lack of direction and lack of a sense of self worth.
Alfred is a very real, dynamic character. He has flaws, almost fatal ones—and sometimes acts in ways that can make us cringe. He is unfailingly human, which is ultimately why his character is so compelling. In addition to his susceptibility to temptation, he is vulnerable to those weaknesses which everyone feels, loneliness, the need to fit in, wondering if one is good at anything, wondering whether one is special. These are basic doubts with which many teenager and adult copes, and the reason Alfred is so convincing as a character is that while he copes with these questions, he falters. Sometimes he thinks he has hit upon an answer, only to realize he is completely off base. He makes mistakes, he does things he later regrets, but all he can do is move forward. One of these movements takes the form of boxing training, and soon Alfred gets frustrated and falls back into the old temptations of drugs and alcohol. But the need to be self aware and to exceed what he once believed to be his own limitations pushes him forward again. He makes reparations for his mistakes and starts all over again, working twice as hard. Ultimately, this encourages Mr. Donatelli gives him the benefit of the doubt. Alfred is confused and is in many ways lost, but through it all he tries his best. What Alfred goes through is not pretty, he gets beat up, bleeds, sweats, and vomits. But he is gritty and determined and eventually prevails. He might not have the raw talent it takes to be a boxer, but he has the heart.
James - James is Alfred's best friend, but James represents yet another aspect of Alfred's life that is stripped away. Throughout the book Alfred struggles to maintain and regain James's trust and friendship, as well as attempt to steer him away from drugs and crime. He and James used to do everything together, but throughout the course of the book their paths diverge, almost irreconcilably.
James is set up to be a foil for Alfred all the way through. While Alfred is not perfect, at least he has an interest in improving himself and being someone. James at one point had similar desires, but he lost them along the way. Alfred sees James fall victim to negative influences, especially heroin. Alfred realizes that he could very easily be in the same position as James, and Alfred almost crosses that line about halfway through the book. It is James's behavior that snaps Alfred back into his discipline. At Major's party, Alfred indulges in marijuana and alcohol, but when he sees James indulging with more dangerous heroin Alfred suddenly realizes just how bad James is, and just how bad he himself could be. Part of Alfred's desire to be someone rests also in being loyal to James, no matter what. This is a lesson taught by Mr: Donatelli, when someone needs you, even if he or she does not admit it, you come through. Alfred does that for James at the end of the book. It takes some coaxing, but James eventually responds to Alfred. For him, Alfred is the only person in the entire world who understands and cares to help him, and knowing that is enough to motivate James to change at the end of the book.
What it means to be a Contender?
Mr: Donatelli draws an important distinction between being a champion and being a contender. While the odds of one being a champion are slim, he knows that anyone can be a contender. Being a contender is not about raw talent or the kind of innate skill that few possess—being a contender, as Mr. Donatelli says, is about blood, sweat, and tears. It is purely a measure of how hard someone works. The reason this is so important to Alfred is because he has never worked for something so hard; he does not even know if he can do it. Also, Mr. Donatelli knows that the concept of being a contender redefines the way Alfred thinks of himself. If Alfred is a contender, then he is somebody special. Being a contender comes not from what station in life a person is born, or how lucky they might be to have received a special gift or talent, but being a contender is a function of who a person is.
Self Improvement
In the beginning of the book, Alfred teeters between two different destinies. He could go in one of two directions: toward a path of self-destruction as his friend James or toward a place where he can try and make something of himself. The problem with the latter is how difficult it is, especially when one has little support. Alfred decides to choose the road of self improvement, which is why the concept of being a contender is so important to him. He improves himself along with his determination, his work ethic, his skills, his knowledge of himself, and his role in life. He decides that yes, he can be someone, and it does not mean that he must be a champion boxer. Being someone means going to night school, helping a brother, and working with kids at a recreation program. By the end of the book Alfred has an understanding of self, and thus, the self- improvement he needs to help him conquer temptations of negativity and nothingness.
Summary
Chapter 4
The next morning on the way to church, Alfred passes a nationalist rally where people are getting riled up over the issue of black rights. The speaker tries to get Alfred involved, and when Alfred keeps going someone calls him a "a little darky." During the sermon at church, he notices that Major and Hollis are standing in the doorway of the church. By the time Alfred leaves, Major and Hollis are gone.
After church they ride the bus out to Jamaica, to Alfred's aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Wilson's house. During dinner, Wilson asks Alfred if there is much opportunity for advancement at the store, saying that the world is opening up for colored people. Wilson continues to question him about education and trades, and Alfred tunes it out. Alfred's cousin, Jeff, is in college and is always winning prizes. Compared to Jeff, he had not accomplished much. That night Alfred thinks of what it means to advance and thinks of Mr. Donatelli and trying to become a contender.
Chapter 5
The next morning Alfred wakes up early to run in the park. He is stopped by two cops who want to know what he is doing, and he explains he is training to be a boxer. The cops eventually let him go but not before making fun of him. When he gets home, Pearl wants to know where he was. Despite her pressing, he only tells her that he took a walk.
At work Mr: Epstein asks about James and whether Alfred knew James was going to try and break into the store. Epstein presses Alfred for information about the identity of the other boys who broke into the store, but Alfred does not say anything. The Epsteins treat Alfred suspiciously, and he is no longer allowed to do errands such as taking money to the bank for deposit. As he is sweeping he sees the alarm wires, and it occurs to him that he could yank them out and come back next Friday to rob the store, though not entertaining the thought for long. Before Alfred leaves work, Henry comes by and reminds him to go to the gym.
Chapter 6
Alfred returns to the gym. It is full of people boxing each other and punching bags. He notices a sign on the wall that says it costs $2 for amateurs, but Dr. Corey, the dentist from downstairs who fits all the fighters with mouth guards, tells him that paying is not important. Dr. Corey starts Alfred on some sit-ups, and some boys in the gym show him how to do them right, painfully slowly, all the way up and back down. Alfred does push-ups too.
One of the fighters demands that Bud, Mr. Donatelli's assistant, tape his hands. Bud tells the boxer to do it himself, and the two launch into a nasty verbal confrontation with the boxer screaming at Bud, telling him that Bud must do whatever he says. Eventually, the boxer slugs at Bud, and Bud effortlessly blocks the punch and delivers one of his own. After the confrontation, Bud introduces himself to Alfred and says that Mr. Donatelli has a ticket for Alfred to see a real fight.
Chapter 4, Chapter 5 and Chapter 6
These three chapters demonstrate that Alfred really does not have a niche in his life. Instead of simply telling the reader that Alfred's life is difficult, Lipsyte shows us the measure and extent of Alfred's struggle. On the way to church, black nationalists yell at Alfred because he is not joining their rally and is going inside a "white" church. Once inside the church, in a place where one should feel safe, he sees Major and Hollis. Then Alfred goes to his relatives' house in Queens, and his uncle interrogates him over his job choice and whether or not he is proceeding down a path that will yield much opportunity for the future. Even spending a Sunday dinner with family, Alfred feels as if he is not good enough, especially when compared with his cousin Jeff.
In the park, Alfred is questioned and teased by police officers as he tries to run. At work, his boss questions him about his involvement in the attempted robbery that took place the Friday before. Even though he was not crazy about his job before, at least he felt as if he could belong there. Now, the bosses watch him carefully and do not entrust him with anything important or valuable. When Alfred goes to the gym, some of the other boxers tease him about wearing his street clothes and about not knowing how to exercise or do sit-ups correctly. It seems that no matter where Alfred goes, someone is always giving him a hard time, cutting him down, and insisting that he does not belong.
Alfred even feels that he cannot be honest with his aunt after he returns from running in the park. Her barrage of questions indicates that she is slightly suspicious of Alfred as well and wants to make sure he has not gotten himself into trouble, especially now that his best friend is in jail.
These chapters show us why Alfred is intent on becoming something or someone. They illustrate the many reasons why Alfred feels like he is nothing special. Feeling as if he has nothing at all, Alfred turns toward the gym and Mr. Donatelli. Lipsyte sets this up as a critical juncture—Alfred is feeling like a failure, and what he chooses to do now is perhaps the single most important decision in his life. He could, as his best friend James does, succumb to the feeling of unimportance and failure and get involved in crime, or he could try even harder to make something of himself. We may sense that the opportunity to train at Donatelli's gym is Alfred's real chance to find something at which he excels.
Key Facts
full title · The Contender
author · Robert Lipsyte
type of work · Novel
genre · Young adult, Fiction
language · English
time and place written · [Time] Las Vegas
date of first publication · 1967
point of view · The point of view is third person limited, reflecting the point of view of Alfred Brooks.
tone · The tone in the book is serious, and it is sometimes dismal and graphic in description.
setting (time) · The book takes place in relatively modern times, perhaps within the decade of the 1970s.
setting (place) · New York City, primarily Harlem
protagonist · Alfred Brooks
major conflict · Alfred's struggle to commit to something as difficult as boxing; Alfred's attempt to salvage a sense of self worth
rising action · Alfred attending the clubhouse and lapsing in his training
climax · Alfred rejoining the gym and pursuing his training to his first fight
falling action · Alfred's last fight and retirement from the world of boxing
themes · What it means to be a contender; self-improvement; quitting; fitting in
symbols · The hideout in Central Park; Alfred's boxing robe; the stairs to Donatelli's gym
Why the author selected this book
Robert Lipsyte's list of publications for young people isn't especially lengthy when compared to those of other authors who have been writing for the same length of time. But that's because writing books for and about teenagers isn't the only kind of writing he does, or the only kind of work he does, for that matter. Among other things, Robert Lipsyte has been a highly respected columnist and a prize-winning sports reporter for the New York Times, a correspondent for the CBS television program Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt, the host of his own award-winning television interview program, The Eleventh Hour, on New York City's public television station, and author of a television documentary series about sports. Most importantly, he is the author of The Contender, one of the very first realistic novels about contemporary teenagers and a book that has been required reading in many American schools for the past three decades. Recognizing the importance of that book as well as his other works, the American Library Association honored Robert Lipsyte with the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2001. Mr. Lipsyte lives in New York, NY.
Reason why i like this book
I started reading this book at Ms. Nelson class. The class has to reade the book every day we go to class. At first I didn't like the book. After I started reading the book, I though that is was interesting because is about what young people do, The book is a very nice book. The class took 4 month reading the book because we didn't pay attention to the teacher. After I was reading at my house one night, I say to my self that this book was interesting and I want every body young and adult people to read it this is a great book.
The next night, Henry, Spoon, Jelly Belly, and Mr. Donatelli take Alfred to a boxing match at Madison Square Garden. Mr: Donatelli's most promising boxer, Willie Streeter, is competing in an important match. During the match, Streeter gets hurt, and Donatelli eventually concedes. Although Streeter is angry, Spoon says that Donatelli is the best manager around.
Alfred begins training for boxing. He runs, eats, and sleeps exactly in the way Mr: Donatelli prescribes. After six weeks of very hard work, Alfred becomes discouraged because he has never been in a real fight, he has only trained, exercised, and hit punching bags. Succumbing to his frustration and to his loneliness in having been separated from James, Alfred goes to a party thrown by Major, partially because of a promise that James would be there. Alfred resists the drugs and alcohol at first, but then he indulges. Eventually, James shows up but Alfred barely gets to speak to him, James is more interested in the heroin that Major offers him.
Alfred goes to Coney Island with Major the next day, narrowly missing a run-in with the police for Major's possession of a stolen car. The next few days Alfred is in a stupor and eventually goes back to the gym to get his clothes and equipment. While there, he asks Mr. Donatelli if he could have been a contender. Mr. Donatelli answers that he does not know and that he never knows the answer to that question until he sees how a boxer reacts to getting hurt. Needing to know the answer to that question himself, Alfred begins training again.
Alfred's progress is speedy. He learns that Mr. Epstein used to box as well, and the two of them begin to develop a renewed trust at work. Despite the protests of his Aunt Pearl, he trains until he is ready for his first fight. Spoon, Henry, and Jelly Belly take care of him that day by letting him relax, eat, and sleep. Alfred wins his first match by majority decision. Aunt Pearl questions him later, and he admits that he did not enjoy winning much but that he refuses to quit.
During his second fight, Alfred hits his opponent so hard that his opponent gets knocked unconscious. Alfred is sickened by the scene and is upset at the brutality of his own actions. Mr: Epstein, proud and impressed, pays for Alfred's lessons. Spoon tells Alfred that he should consider going to night school, and Alfred later reveals that he is planning on getting his high school diploma.
After his third fight, Donatelli tells Alfred it is time to retire. He says that Alfred does not have the requisite killer instinct. Alfred protests and says that while that may be true, he still doesn't "know," yet, because he has never been injured in the ring. Donatelli eventually lets Alfred persuade him into fighting one more match. Alfred faces an opponent who is bigger, stronger, and better in his final match, but he lasts through all the rounds. Although he loses by majority decision, he knows that the strength and bravery he displayed in the round is something of which to be proud. Satisfied, he retires.
That night Alfred learns that James has tried to break into the Epsteins' store again. Aunt Pearl tells him that the police are looking for James and will probably find him, because James cut himself and was bleeding badly. Alfred finds James in their old hideout in Central Park and convinces James to go to the hospital. He assures James that together, they will beat his drug addiction, find him a job and help him get back on track.
Alfred Brooks - Alfred, the protagonist, is the most dynamic character in the book. He undergoes many changes, both physical and emotional, and grows significantly throughout the length of the text. Lipsyte explores a number of issues— especially those that confront teenagers, through Alfred grow up in a dangerous neighborhood, financial struggles, drug and crime temptations, lack of education, lack of direction and lack of a sense of self worth.
Alfred is a very real, dynamic character. He has flaws, almost fatal ones—and sometimes acts in ways that can make us cringe. He is unfailingly human, which is ultimately why his character is so compelling. In addition to his susceptibility to temptation, he is vulnerable to those weaknesses which everyone feels, loneliness, the need to fit in, wondering if one is good at anything, wondering whether one is special. These are basic doubts with which many teenager and adult copes, and the reason Alfred is so convincing as a character is that while he copes with these questions, he falters. Sometimes he thinks he has hit upon an answer, only to realize he is completely off base. He makes mistakes, he does things he later regrets, but all he can do is move forward. One of these movements takes the form of boxing training, and soon Alfred gets frustrated and falls back into the old temptations of drugs and alcohol. But the need to be self aware and to exceed what he once believed to be his own limitations pushes him forward again. He makes reparations for his mistakes and starts all over again, working twice as hard. Ultimately, this encourages Mr. Donatelli gives him the benefit of the doubt. Alfred is confused and is in many ways lost, but through it all he tries his best. What Alfred goes through is not pretty, he gets beat up, bleeds, sweats, and vomits. But he is gritty and determined and eventually prevails. He might not have the raw talent it takes to be a boxer, but he has the heart.
James - James is Alfred's best friend, but James represents yet another aspect of Alfred's life that is stripped away. Throughout the book Alfred struggles to maintain and regain James's trust and friendship, as well as attempt to steer him away from drugs and crime. He and James used to do everything together, but throughout the course of the book their paths diverge, almost irreconcilably.
James is set up to be a foil for Alfred all the way through. While Alfred is not perfect, at least he has an interest in improving himself and being someone. James at one point had similar desires, but he lost them along the way. Alfred sees James fall victim to negative influences, especially heroin. Alfred realizes that he could very easily be in the same position as James, and Alfred almost crosses that line about halfway through the book. It is James's behavior that snaps Alfred back into his discipline. At Major's party, Alfred indulges in marijuana and alcohol, but when he sees James indulging with more dangerous heroin Alfred suddenly realizes just how bad James is, and just how bad he himself could be. Part of Alfred's desire to be someone rests also in being loyal to James, no matter what. This is a lesson taught by Mr: Donatelli, when someone needs you, even if he or she does not admit it, you come through. Alfred does that for James at the end of the book. It takes some coaxing, but James eventually responds to Alfred. For him, Alfred is the only person in the entire world who understands and cares to help him, and knowing that is enough to motivate James to change at the end of the book.
What it means to be a Contender?
Mr: Donatelli draws an important distinction between being a champion and being a contender. While the odds of one being a champion are slim, he knows that anyone can be a contender. Being a contender is not about raw talent or the kind of innate skill that few possess—being a contender, as Mr. Donatelli says, is about blood, sweat, and tears. It is purely a measure of how hard someone works. The reason this is so important to Alfred is because he has never worked for something so hard; he does not even know if he can do it. Also, Mr. Donatelli knows that the concept of being a contender redefines the way Alfred thinks of himself. If Alfred is a contender, then he is somebody special. Being a contender comes not from what station in life a person is born, or how lucky they might be to have received a special gift or talent, but being a contender is a function of who a person is.
Self Improvement
In the beginning of the book, Alfred teeters between two different destinies. He could go in one of two directions: toward a path of self-destruction as his friend James or toward a place where he can try and make something of himself. The problem with the latter is how difficult it is, especially when one has little support. Alfred decides to choose the road of self improvement, which is why the concept of being a contender is so important to him. He improves himself along with his determination, his work ethic, his skills, his knowledge of himself, and his role in life. He decides that yes, he can be someone, and it does not mean that he must be a champion boxer. Being someone means going to night school, helping a brother, and working with kids at a recreation program. By the end of the book Alfred has an understanding of self, and thus, the self- improvement he needs to help him conquer temptations of negativity and nothingness.
Summary
Chapter 4
The next morning on the way to church, Alfred passes a nationalist rally where people are getting riled up over the issue of black rights. The speaker tries to get Alfred involved, and when Alfred keeps going someone calls him a "a little darky." During the sermon at church, he notices that Major and Hollis are standing in the doorway of the church. By the time Alfred leaves, Major and Hollis are gone.
After church they ride the bus out to Jamaica, to Alfred's aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Wilson's house. During dinner, Wilson asks Alfred if there is much opportunity for advancement at the store, saying that the world is opening up for colored people. Wilson continues to question him about education and trades, and Alfred tunes it out. Alfred's cousin, Jeff, is in college and is always winning prizes. Compared to Jeff, he had not accomplished much. That night Alfred thinks of what it means to advance and thinks of Mr. Donatelli and trying to become a contender.
Chapter 5
The next morning Alfred wakes up early to run in the park. He is stopped by two cops who want to know what he is doing, and he explains he is training to be a boxer. The cops eventually let him go but not before making fun of him. When he gets home, Pearl wants to know where he was. Despite her pressing, he only tells her that he took a walk.
At work Mr: Epstein asks about James and whether Alfred knew James was going to try and break into the store. Epstein presses Alfred for information about the identity of the other boys who broke into the store, but Alfred does not say anything. The Epsteins treat Alfred suspiciously, and he is no longer allowed to do errands such as taking money to the bank for deposit. As he is sweeping he sees the alarm wires, and it occurs to him that he could yank them out and come back next Friday to rob the store, though not entertaining the thought for long. Before Alfred leaves work, Henry comes by and reminds him to go to the gym.
Chapter 6
Alfred returns to the gym. It is full of people boxing each other and punching bags. He notices a sign on the wall that says it costs $2 for amateurs, but Dr. Corey, the dentist from downstairs who fits all the fighters with mouth guards, tells him that paying is not important. Dr. Corey starts Alfred on some sit-ups, and some boys in the gym show him how to do them right, painfully slowly, all the way up and back down. Alfred does push-ups too.
One of the fighters demands that Bud, Mr. Donatelli's assistant, tape his hands. Bud tells the boxer to do it himself, and the two launch into a nasty verbal confrontation with the boxer screaming at Bud, telling him that Bud must do whatever he says. Eventually, the boxer slugs at Bud, and Bud effortlessly blocks the punch and delivers one of his own. After the confrontation, Bud introduces himself to Alfred and says that Mr. Donatelli has a ticket for Alfred to see a real fight.
Chapter 4, Chapter 5 and Chapter 6
These three chapters demonstrate that Alfred really does not have a niche in his life. Instead of simply telling the reader that Alfred's life is difficult, Lipsyte shows us the measure and extent of Alfred's struggle. On the way to church, black nationalists yell at Alfred because he is not joining their rally and is going inside a "white" church. Once inside the church, in a place where one should feel safe, he sees Major and Hollis. Then Alfred goes to his relatives' house in Queens, and his uncle interrogates him over his job choice and whether or not he is proceeding down a path that will yield much opportunity for the future. Even spending a Sunday dinner with family, Alfred feels as if he is not good enough, especially when compared with his cousin Jeff.
In the park, Alfred is questioned and teased by police officers as he tries to run. At work, his boss questions him about his involvement in the attempted robbery that took place the Friday before. Even though he was not crazy about his job before, at least he felt as if he could belong there. Now, the bosses watch him carefully and do not entrust him with anything important or valuable. When Alfred goes to the gym, some of the other boxers tease him about wearing his street clothes and about not knowing how to exercise or do sit-ups correctly. It seems that no matter where Alfred goes, someone is always giving him a hard time, cutting him down, and insisting that he does not belong.
Alfred even feels that he cannot be honest with his aunt after he returns from running in the park. Her barrage of questions indicates that she is slightly suspicious of Alfred as well and wants to make sure he has not gotten himself into trouble, especially now that his best friend is in jail.
These chapters show us why Alfred is intent on becoming something or someone. They illustrate the many reasons why Alfred feels like he is nothing special. Feeling as if he has nothing at all, Alfred turns toward the gym and Mr. Donatelli. Lipsyte sets this up as a critical juncture—Alfred is feeling like a failure, and what he chooses to do now is perhaps the single most important decision in his life. He could, as his best friend James does, succumb to the feeling of unimportance and failure and get involved in crime, or he could try even harder to make something of himself. We may sense that the opportunity to train at Donatelli's gym is Alfred's real chance to find something at which he excels.
Key Facts
full title · The Contender
author · Robert Lipsyte
type of work · Novel
genre · Young adult, Fiction
language · English
time and place written · [Time] Las Vegas
date of first publication · 1967
point of view · The point of view is third person limited, reflecting the point of view of Alfred Brooks.
tone · The tone in the book is serious, and it is sometimes dismal and graphic in description.
setting (time) · The book takes place in relatively modern times, perhaps within the decade of the 1970s.
setting (place) · New York City, primarily Harlem
protagonist · Alfred Brooks
major conflict · Alfred's struggle to commit to something as difficult as boxing; Alfred's attempt to salvage a sense of self worth
rising action · Alfred attending the clubhouse and lapsing in his training
climax · Alfred rejoining the gym and pursuing his training to his first fight
falling action · Alfred's last fight and retirement from the world of boxing
themes · What it means to be a contender; self-improvement; quitting; fitting in
symbols · The hideout in Central Park; Alfred's boxing robe; the stairs to Donatelli's gym
Why the author selected this book
Robert Lipsyte's list of publications for young people isn't especially lengthy when compared to those of other authors who have been writing for the same length of time. But that's because writing books for and about teenagers isn't the only kind of writing he does, or the only kind of work he does, for that matter. Among other things, Robert Lipsyte has been a highly respected columnist and a prize-winning sports reporter for the New York Times, a correspondent for the CBS television program Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt, the host of his own award-winning television interview program, The Eleventh Hour, on New York City's public television station, and author of a television documentary series about sports. Most importantly, he is the author of The Contender, one of the very first realistic novels about contemporary teenagers and a book that has been required reading in many American schools for the past three decades. Recognizing the importance of that book as well as his other works, the American Library Association honored Robert Lipsyte with the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2001. Mr. Lipsyte lives in New York, NY.
Reason why i like this book
I started reading this book at Ms. Nelson class. The class has to reade the book every day we go to class. At first I didn't like the book. After I started reading the book, I though that is was interesting because is about what young people do, The book is a very nice book. The class took 4 month reading the book because we didn't pay attention to the teacher. After I was reading at my house one night, I say to my self that this book was interesting and I want every body young and adult people to read it this is a great book.
August 27, 2023
I had to read The Contender along with a slew of others in preparation for a class (if you care to see which ones I have them tagged under for-a-class) and the Contender was one of the better ones in the group. I swore off YA over a year ago as I got tired of the rut it seems to have sunk into. I acknowledge it's possible my sensibilities have simply changed. However, I also maintain that publishing has become increasingly more risk averse and that is a major factor as to why YA has stagnated which has nothing to do with my personal preferences or tastes.
My enjoying The Contender is a point /for/ my argument as I felt it was better than a lot of modern YA because despite fitting into the conventions of the genre it was not plagued by the tropes that have come to define the majority. I don't doubt there is fantastic YA out there - or even simply good YA - as I have read it: it's more that it's become a lot more difficult than it should be in recent years to sift out anything that is particularly stand out and not just 'decent'.
That being said, The Contender was not perfect either.
According to the introduction, though Robert Lipsyte had written a few books before he had never written fiction. It absolutely shows that this is his first venture into the genre. There were quite a few issues I feel an author more practiced would not have had.
Even though the synopsis suggests it will be an important plot point, it is half the book before you find out that James is addicted to drugs and you do not see him again until the last chapter. When Alfred does find out, he seems only momentarily bothered before moving onto the boxing once more. He apparently has a conversation with another character about getting James into rehab yet it's delivered after the fact. We do not get to bear witness to what assuredly was a difficult, sobering discussion. It felt like Lipsyte was unsure of how to intertwine these two significant aspects, especially when he (presumably) was unsure of his capacity to write a depiction of drug addiction well and/or without stigma. I'd prefer no depiction than a bad one, however, it did make James' situation feel tacked on for random sympathy rather than the motivating factor for Alfred it was clearly intended to be.
Also I have to question why he bothered to include it at all if he wasn't going to delve into more detail? What's the point in James' spiraling drug addiction if it's happening completely in the background? I do wonder if there wasn't some latent bias going on that made Lipsyte or an editor feel it was necessary because of 'realism'. As if it wasn't enough that James had fallen in with a bad crowd and was robbing people, he had to be doing drugs too because that's what 'those' people do, right?
Obviously, I am aware that many people in less than circumstances do drugs especially in low-income/Black neighborhoods as part of a targeted effort to oppress those demographics. It is not outside of the norm that James would do drugs. I'm simply pointing out the impression this plot point gave me in this specific instance based on how Lipsyte wrote it. I try not to look into books or authors until after I write reviews so it's possible there is context I am missing.
Most conversations are weirdly vague and subtextual. It felt like Lipsyte was trying very hard to make the book seem deep by refusing to let anyone just talk directly to another since everyone knows mystique = prestige. Mr. Donatelli in particular fell prey to this. When Alfred would ask him questions about his odds as a boxer, Donatelli would often comeback with these melodramatic remarks you could just tell were meant to be in his Oscar reel for Best Actor.
The characters were severely underdeveloped. At the beginning of the book Alfred actively avoids a neighborhood acquaintance named Henry who walks with a limp due to a childhood bout of polio. Henry becomes an essential part of Alfred's training regimen at the gym. Henry credits Alfred with giving him his big start as an official trainer.
Yet, there is never any explanation for why Alfred was so uncomfortable with Henry. Am I supposed to assume it was because of Henry's disability? Is it because Henry was so cheerful and upbeat all the time? Was he not willing to make any friends outside of James?
I could not tell you. Lipsyte never extrapolates further. Alfred doesn't even apologize for his weird dismissal of Henry as a whole. He holds him at arms' length the entire book for no reason. I'm not one for the author holding my hand, but I needed just a bit more to clarify exactly what his damage was. The other boxers are similarly one note. I felt no inclination to even recall their names that's how little it mattered they even existed.
Antagonist Major is also conspicuously absent from the novels' events. Like the James plot it feels as if he was added on at the last minute in an attempt to add some suspense.
This book is written like a the author likes the idea of boxing not boxing, itself. Boxing is technically in it, but boxing is just a vehicle to send a message. That's all well and good - many books do this - except I don't see why that could not have still included more actual, physical boxing too. The build-up to boxing was bigger than the boxing alone. By the time Alfred hits his peak it's basically already over.
I understand that that's part of the point; boxing is merely a stepping stone in Alfred's overall trajectory. Still, I think it's not a lot to ask that a sports coming of age novel focus more on the sports. Or barring that engage more meaningfully with the social issues Lipsyte chose.
On a positive note, I really appreciated the bits we got about James and Alfred's relationship. In the moments he allowed Alfred to think about James, Lipsyte really sold why it would be so difficult for Alfred to let him go. It was the singular realistic, thought inspiring facet to drug addiction that existed in the entire book.
As I am a big classics reader, I'm certain I would have circled around to this book eventually in my own time and been equally as whelmed. It is a good book if not a little dated. If nothing else I'd recommend it because it's a quick read.
My enjoying The Contender is a point /for/ my argument as I felt it was better than a lot of modern YA because despite fitting into the conventions of the genre it was not plagued by the tropes that have come to define the majority. I don't doubt there is fantastic YA out there - or even simply good YA - as I have read it: it's more that it's become a lot more difficult than it should be in recent years to sift out anything that is particularly stand out and not just 'decent'.
That being said, The Contender was not perfect either.
According to the introduction, though Robert Lipsyte had written a few books before he had never written fiction. It absolutely shows that this is his first venture into the genre. There were quite a few issues I feel an author more practiced would not have had.
Even though the synopsis suggests it will be an important plot point, it is half the book before you find out that James is addicted to drugs and you do not see him again until the last chapter. When Alfred does find out, he seems only momentarily bothered before moving onto the boxing once more. He apparently has a conversation with another character about getting James into rehab yet it's delivered after the fact. We do not get to bear witness to what assuredly was a difficult, sobering discussion. It felt like Lipsyte was unsure of how to intertwine these two significant aspects, especially when he (presumably) was unsure of his capacity to write a depiction of drug addiction well and/or without stigma. I'd prefer no depiction than a bad one, however, it did make James' situation feel tacked on for random sympathy rather than the motivating factor for Alfred it was clearly intended to be.
Also I have to question why he bothered to include it at all if he wasn't going to delve into more detail? What's the point in James' spiraling drug addiction if it's happening completely in the background? I do wonder if there wasn't some latent bias going on that made Lipsyte or an editor feel it was necessary because of 'realism'. As if it wasn't enough that James had fallen in with a bad crowd and was robbing people, he had to be doing drugs too because that's what 'those' people do, right?
Obviously, I am aware that many people in less than circumstances do drugs especially in low-income/Black neighborhoods as part of a targeted effort to oppress those demographics. It is not outside of the norm that James would do drugs. I'm simply pointing out the impression this plot point gave me in this specific instance based on how Lipsyte wrote it. I try not to look into books or authors until after I write reviews so it's possible there is context I am missing.
Most conversations are weirdly vague and subtextual. It felt like Lipsyte was trying very hard to make the book seem deep by refusing to let anyone just talk directly to another since everyone knows mystique = prestige. Mr. Donatelli in particular fell prey to this. When Alfred would ask him questions about his odds as a boxer, Donatelli would often comeback with these melodramatic remarks you could just tell were meant to be in his Oscar reel for Best Actor.
The characters were severely underdeveloped. At the beginning of the book Alfred actively avoids a neighborhood acquaintance named Henry who walks with a limp due to a childhood bout of polio. Henry becomes an essential part of Alfred's training regimen at the gym. Henry credits Alfred with giving him his big start as an official trainer.
Yet, there is never any explanation for why Alfred was so uncomfortable with Henry. Am I supposed to assume it was because of Henry's disability? Is it because Henry was so cheerful and upbeat all the time? Was he not willing to make any friends outside of James?
I could not tell you. Lipsyte never extrapolates further. Alfred doesn't even apologize for his weird dismissal of Henry as a whole. He holds him at arms' length the entire book for no reason. I'm not one for the author holding my hand, but I needed just a bit more to clarify exactly what his damage was. The other boxers are similarly one note. I felt no inclination to even recall their names that's how little it mattered they even existed.
Antagonist Major is also conspicuously absent from the novels' events. Like the James plot it feels as if he was added on at the last minute in an attempt to add some suspense.
This book is written like a the author likes the idea of boxing not boxing, itself. Boxing is technically in it, but boxing is just a vehicle to send a message. That's all well and good - many books do this - except I don't see why that could not have still included more actual, physical boxing too. The build-up to boxing was bigger than the boxing alone. By the time Alfred hits his peak it's basically already over.
I understand that that's part of the point; boxing is merely a stepping stone in Alfred's overall trajectory. Still, I think it's not a lot to ask that a sports coming of age novel focus more on the sports. Or barring that engage more meaningfully with the social issues Lipsyte chose.
On a positive note, I really appreciated the bits we got about James and Alfred's relationship. In the moments he allowed Alfred to think about James, Lipsyte really sold why it would be so difficult for Alfred to let him go. It was the singular realistic, thought inspiring facet to drug addiction that existed in the entire book.
As I am a big classics reader, I'm certain I would have circled around to this book eventually in my own time and been equally as whelmed. It is a good book if not a little dated. If nothing else I'd recommend it because it's a quick read.
December 8, 2020
Alfred Brooks is a seventeen-year-old drop out, living with his widowed aunt and her three little girls. He’s tired of getting beat up and almost getting in trouble with the cops. He wants to be a champion. He’s hesitant at first, but he wants to change things; and he does! Alfred starts boxing and is told that it’s not if you make it to the top, it’s how you made it there. So, after Alfred’s three total fights, he learns what it means to be a champion. He learns that to be a champion you have to be a contender first and not back down.
The author uses many literary terms to help describe things and get his point across. He uses euphemism here on page 47 “He bounced up the steps, two at a time, …” This line shows how Alfred felt going to the gym. It shows a change in Alfred's character just in the little time that he has even considered exercising and doing something about his life, he hasn’t even done the boxing and the ‘climbing’ yet to become a man.
He also uses alliteration and similes, again, on page 47, “... spraying sweat like a lawn sprinkler. The alliteration part shows how sweaty the guy walking by in the gym was. The alliteration is emphasising it. The simile part, is giving the imagery of how the sweat was coming off of the guy. We all know what a sprinkler looks like, sprays like, and most of us have probably played in one when we were younger so this line is helping the reader understand while also relating to them. This is one reason why I like the author.
The author ends up using another literary term on page 47, so just imagine what he’s doing throughout the rest of the book. This time Robert Lipsyte uses hyperbole and a simile again. “The heavy bag was swinging wildly on its chain as the boy with the enormous belly battered at it with fists as big as cantaloupes.” Now, this fighter doesn’t really have an ENORMOUS belly and cantaloupes as hands but Alfred says this to emphasize the size of this fighter (he was probably a heavyweight fighter). The simile part is also just emphasizing the size of the fighters hands.
Another thing that the author does to relate to the reader by using informal language. “I don’t know about nothing else. (143)” People use informal language all the time, especially when talking to family and friends. When the reader sees this as an opportunity to help the readers understand the text better and may also make it more enjoyable.
I really loved reading this book. I love how the book showed how much just exercising can change your mindset and make you a better person to yourself and to other people. You see Alfred go from, on the streets and a seventeen year old drop out to a champion with a different mindset and going back to school. If you love books that show how sports/exercise can change a person to be a better version of themselves then I would recommend Losers Take All by David Klass. I also give that book five stars.
The author uses many literary terms to help describe things and get his point across. He uses euphemism here on page 47 “He bounced up the steps, two at a time, …” This line shows how Alfred felt going to the gym. It shows a change in Alfred's character just in the little time that he has even considered exercising and doing something about his life, he hasn’t even done the boxing and the ‘climbing’ yet to become a man.
He also uses alliteration and similes, again, on page 47, “... spraying sweat like a lawn sprinkler. The alliteration part shows how sweaty the guy walking by in the gym was. The alliteration is emphasising it. The simile part, is giving the imagery of how the sweat was coming off of the guy. We all know what a sprinkler looks like, sprays like, and most of us have probably played in one when we were younger so this line is helping the reader understand while also relating to them. This is one reason why I like the author.
The author ends up using another literary term on page 47, so just imagine what he’s doing throughout the rest of the book. This time Robert Lipsyte uses hyperbole and a simile again. “The heavy bag was swinging wildly on its chain as the boy with the enormous belly battered at it with fists as big as cantaloupes.” Now, this fighter doesn’t really have an ENORMOUS belly and cantaloupes as hands but Alfred says this to emphasize the size of this fighter (he was probably a heavyweight fighter). The simile part is also just emphasizing the size of the fighters hands.
Another thing that the author does to relate to the reader by using informal language. “I don’t know about nothing else. (143)” People use informal language all the time, especially when talking to family and friends. When the reader sees this as an opportunity to help the readers understand the text better and may also make it more enjoyable.
I really loved reading this book. I love how the book showed how much just exercising can change your mindset and make you a better person to yourself and to other people. You see Alfred go from, on the streets and a seventeen year old drop out to a champion with a different mindset and going back to school. If you love books that show how sports/exercise can change a person to be a better version of themselves then I would recommend Losers Take All by David Klass. I also give that book five stars.
February 4, 2020
Alfred Brooks is a high school dropout stuck in a dead end job at a neighborhood grocery in Harlem. Neighborhood thugs want him to join them in their criminal escapades. The nationalist want him to join their crusade too. Alfred just wants to turn 18, join the Army, and find a way out. When he finds himself the target of street thugs, he takes a chance on Donatelli’s Gym where he learns how to box. Through his boxing journey, Alfred learns that commitment, hard work, determination, and a little faith in himself, will prepare him for any bout, in or out of the boxing ring. He learns he is a contender.
I chose this book as it was referenced as a notable teen work in our reading assignments and it was not a novel I was familiar with prior to this assignment. Coming in at just under 167 pages, this paperback is a fast read! The boxing scenes are written in great detail and the dialogue bonds the reader to the characters. I became invested in the characters and wanted everyone to have a happy ending. The author’s pacing propels the story and I found myself truly invested in Alfred’s growth as a boxer and as a young man faced with internal and external challenges. This novel would be a great fit for some of my male students who share similar backgrounds and who don’t necessarily like to read. The lexile level is appropriate for struggling readers while the content is highly engaging and age appropriate. There is some coarse and derogatory racial language in the novel that is appropriate to the racial and economic tensions in our country in 1967. There are subtle injections into the story of the black nationalist movement attempting to provide community programs, centers, and resources to the underserved in the black community. For a 53 year old book, it holds up and is still relevant. I’d definitely recommend it to students.
This novel is an ALA Notable Children’s Book of 1940-1970. The author was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award from ALA in 2001 for his contributions to young adult literature.
I chose this book as it was referenced as a notable teen work in our reading assignments and it was not a novel I was familiar with prior to this assignment. Coming in at just under 167 pages, this paperback is a fast read! The boxing scenes are written in great detail and the dialogue bonds the reader to the characters. I became invested in the characters and wanted everyone to have a happy ending. The author’s pacing propels the story and I found myself truly invested in Alfred’s growth as a boxer and as a young man faced with internal and external challenges. This novel would be a great fit for some of my male students who share similar backgrounds and who don’t necessarily like to read. The lexile level is appropriate for struggling readers while the content is highly engaging and age appropriate. There is some coarse and derogatory racial language in the novel that is appropriate to the racial and economic tensions in our country in 1967. There are subtle injections into the story of the black nationalist movement attempting to provide community programs, centers, and resources to the underserved in the black community. For a 53 year old book, it holds up and is still relevant. I’d definitely recommend it to students.
This novel is an ALA Notable Children’s Book of 1940-1970. The author was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award from ALA in 2001 for his contributions to young adult literature.
February 17, 2023
Plot: 3.5/5
Pacing: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
General Enjoyment: 4/5
Average: 3.5 stars, rounded up
As a person who generally doesn’t enjoy sports, I actually ended up quite liking this book! It follows Alfred, a young Black boy living in Harlem in the 1960s. He is an orphaned high school dropout whose life is falling apart and his best friend is sinking into drug addiction. He begins going to a boxing club run by Donatelli, a trainer who has worked with some of the best boxers around, and learns to become a Contender.
Alfred was an excellent main character, full of depth, and his character development was wonderfully paced. I also loved his collection of friends, and the symbolism involved as he learns to box. My one complaint would be the way the fight scenes were written- the stream-of-consciousness writing made it hard to tell who was hitting whom, and who was winning.
But overall, if you like sports, this is a good, quick read about a boy who learns to take his life in his own hands and become a contender.
Pacing: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
General Enjoyment: 4/5
Average: 3.5 stars, rounded up
As a person who generally doesn’t enjoy sports, I actually ended up quite liking this book! It follows Alfred, a young Black boy living in Harlem in the 1960s. He is an orphaned high school dropout whose life is falling apart and his best friend is sinking into drug addiction. He begins going to a boxing club run by Donatelli, a trainer who has worked with some of the best boxers around, and learns to become a Contender.
Alfred was an excellent main character, full of depth, and his character development was wonderfully paced. I also loved his collection of friends, and the symbolism involved as he learns to box. My one complaint would be the way the fight scenes were written- the stream-of-consciousness writing made it hard to tell who was hitting whom, and who was winning.
But overall, if you like sports, this is a good, quick read about a boy who learns to take his life in his own hands and become a contender.
June 14, 2017
The story of The Contender by Robert Lipstye sets in Harlem, New York narrated by Alfred Brooks who is a high school drop out, that is leading nowhere in life. Through the beginning of the story you see Alfred struggling through life after dropping out. He works as a grocery store clerk, and with a friend who is like a brother to him struggling through a deep drug addiction. One day some street kids begin to chase down Alfred and try to jump him even know he had done nothing wrong. Soon later he begins to train at "Dontellies Boxing Gym" that he get taught about champions, to learn the effort of not the win but makes the man out of you. The contender is a sports/ coming of age story to show you to always have the heart of a champion.
February 27, 2023
Amazing book!! I don’t normally read books like this, but it was very interesting the whole way through and kept me hooked. I finished it in only a few days!! Would recommend!!
July 21, 2025
It’s good but lacks in other themes and gets confusing at parts
June 19, 2019
In "The Contender", ALfred is a fragile and broken boy who is a highschool dropout and gets pushed around by his other "friends". He finds his sweetspot working out in the gym and becoming a contender. Even though things seem to be going right for him there is still his best friend james who is struggling without him.
April 3, 2019
This is a great inspiring book about humble beginnings and becoming a legend.
January 14, 2020
The book I read was The Contender. I thought it was pretty boaring. I didn't even finish the book because it was that boaring. I thought I would like it because it was about boxing. I tried this book for something new. Once I started reading it I really couldn't pick it back up again. I thought I would be a good book but it wasn't. I probily wouldn't recomend this book for somebody. The book just started off slow and somewhat confusing. Overall I thought this book was a bust.
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May 16, 2016I thought this book was a bit boring because I had a feeling it was going to be a novel on a kid in a bad neighborhood and having some problems. But, it had a good plot and it was a very good and inspiring, and a excellent proof of commitment and hard work. In the book Alfred the main character, wants to learn how to box after getting jumped by his best friend (James) buddies, because James got caught breaking into a grocery store where Alfred works. He then gets introduced to boxing and starts to learn it and stays focused on that path and begins to train hard.
In the book his friend James, pressures him into taking drugs and alcohol, at first he rejects it, then he eventually gives in. I thought that he was going to get lost in all of that and drop boxing and school, but he doesn’t. I really liked how he didn’t give up and kept on training. In a fight that Alfred had he knocked a guy unconscious, he then feels really bad. His trainer begins to question if he has the will to continue to be a boxer, because his trainer Mr. Donatelli just doesn’t see it in him. He doesn’t listen to them and fights to more fights. There were somethings that I liked and some things that I disliked. A couple of things that I really liked is that Alfred has perseverance and never quits in training even though he has so many obstacles put in front of him and continues stay focused. Some cons about the book for me were some of the side things that they added to the storyline. Some of it was nothing related to boxing, and I feel that the author could have done some things better. He also focused a lot on James friends and that they beat him up before and then one time that Alfred stands up to them once and then, later on in the book they are all good friends and they are inviting him to a party where there were drugs and alcohol. I found that kind of dumb and off topic and not exactly explaining the thing that happened between them after. I also don’t really like the ending, I thought it would be more interesting and have a good ending, I didn’t expect one like that.
This book was a really unique book and kind of similar to a movie called “Creed” a boxing movie. But it doesn’t have the same plot. I liked this book not only because it involved boxing but because it shows how a young man who lived in a bad place still never gave up, even though he had all the distractions that could have dragged him to the wrong place with the wrong people. He also didn’t have his parents, he lived with his aunt and that for some is kind of difficult, and he still had the will to get through all of the obstacles that he faced. Overall the book was okay. Would I recommend it? Maybe, if you like sports novels, but it’s not something I would buy just because I wasn’t as interested and I was in the beginning. The type of tone the book had serious in my opinion.
In the book his friend James, pressures him into taking drugs and alcohol, at first he rejects it, then he eventually gives in. I thought that he was going to get lost in all of that and drop boxing and school, but he doesn’t. I really liked how he didn’t give up and kept on training. In a fight that Alfred had he knocked a guy unconscious, he then feels really bad. His trainer begins to question if he has the will to continue to be a boxer, because his trainer Mr. Donatelli just doesn’t see it in him. He doesn’t listen to them and fights to more fights. There were somethings that I liked and some things that I disliked. A couple of things that I really liked is that Alfred has perseverance and never quits in training even though he has so many obstacles put in front of him and continues stay focused. Some cons about the book for me were some of the side things that they added to the storyline. Some of it was nothing related to boxing, and I feel that the author could have done some things better. He also focused a lot on James friends and that they beat him up before and then one time that Alfred stands up to them once and then, later on in the book they are all good friends and they are inviting him to a party where there were drugs and alcohol. I found that kind of dumb and off topic and not exactly explaining the thing that happened between them after. I also don’t really like the ending, I thought it would be more interesting and have a good ending, I didn’t expect one like that.
This book was a really unique book and kind of similar to a movie called “Creed” a boxing movie. But it doesn’t have the same plot. I liked this book not only because it involved boxing but because it shows how a young man who lived in a bad place still never gave up, even though he had all the distractions that could have dragged him to the wrong place with the wrong people. He also didn’t have his parents, he lived with his aunt and that for some is kind of difficult, and he still had the will to get through all of the obstacles that he faced. Overall the book was okay. Would I recommend it? Maybe, if you like sports novels, but it’s not something I would buy just because I wasn’t as interested and I was in the beginning. The type of tone the book had serious in my opinion.
December 19, 2013
The Contender by Robert Lipsyte, is one of my favorite books that I have read because it deals with real life situations, and a struggle to fight an addiction. If you like a book that is slow paced with great meaning and life lessens, then this is the book for you. This not only touches your heart but it relates to you in many ways.It consists of a young adult that gets wrapped up with the wrong people and getting evolved in bad situations. He struggles to fight the addiction of drugs and of peer pressure.
It all starts with the main character Alfred Brooks messing with the wrong people and gets evolved with these hoodlums. One of them being one of his best friends since childhood, James. James and his know good friends decide to rob the local grocery store that Alfred works at, thinking it will be easy. Little do they know that there was a new alarm that was installed, that even Alfred didn't know about. James ends up getting caught and Alfred ends up getting beat up by the hoodlums names Major and Hollis. Alfred gets tired of living in fear and decides to go to this old gym he had seen. He meets a very wise man by the name of Mr. Donatelli. He has a lot to offer Alfred and trains him. Alfred gets caught up with the drugs and drinking because of Major thinking that James, (Fresh out of jail) his best friend, would be there too. Alfred ends up quitting drugs and wins 2 fights and he loses the third one by unanimous decision. He retires and decides to help out his friend James and get him help.
This story really touched me and I can relate to this story in some way. This book has a great story line and I would love to read it over and over. It teaches you many lessons, like never give up on your friends know matter what. The author really used a lot of real life situations that can relate to anybody. Also if you like boxing this is a great book for you because it gives you a lot of tips and you can follow what this book preaches or should I say Mr. Donatelli preaches.
It all starts with the main character Alfred Brooks messing with the wrong people and gets evolved with these hoodlums. One of them being one of his best friends since childhood, James. James and his know good friends decide to rob the local grocery store that Alfred works at, thinking it will be easy. Little do they know that there was a new alarm that was installed, that even Alfred didn't know about. James ends up getting caught and Alfred ends up getting beat up by the hoodlums names Major and Hollis. Alfred gets tired of living in fear and decides to go to this old gym he had seen. He meets a very wise man by the name of Mr. Donatelli. He has a lot to offer Alfred and trains him. Alfred gets caught up with the drugs and drinking because of Major thinking that James, (Fresh out of jail) his best friend, would be there too. Alfred ends up quitting drugs and wins 2 fights and he loses the third one by unanimous decision. He retires and decides to help out his friend James and get him help.
This story really touched me and I can relate to this story in some way. This book has a great story line and I would love to read it over and over. It teaches you many lessons, like never give up on your friends know matter what. The author really used a lot of real life situations that can relate to anybody. Also if you like boxing this is a great book for you because it gives you a lot of tips and you can follow what this book preaches or should I say Mr. Donatelli preaches.
September 7, 2011
As an adult who mainly reads books written for an older audience, I am conditioned to books with well-developed, 3-dimensional characters and multiple subplots. In contrast, this book is rather simplistic. The main character, Alfred Brooks, is mostly a 2-dimensional character who also happens to be dynamic. Characters who undergo changes in personality and beliefs tend to be more well-rounded and finding a flat, but dynamic character can be fairly rare. However, this is exactly what Lipsyte has created in the protagonist. Brooks possesses only only 1 or 2 defining character traits before the catalyst, and another 1 or 2 after the change. A well-developed character would be more multi-faceted. The plot is also rather simplistic. Brooks seeks a life of purpose and value through boxing, and the entire plot focuses on this quest. The only other character directly affected by Brooks's journey is his childhood friend, James. Brooks's aunt and cousins with whom he lives even remain untouched by his journey from passive victim to spirited contender. Despite my criticism - the lack of sophistication is a criticism of the young adult genre, not The Contender itself - I believe that the book would still be of interest to its target audience - young adult males. Brooks is a relatable character, and the theme is one many face.
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June 1, 2012This book is about Alfred Brooks. He is a high school drop-out who is working at a grocery store. His best friend James, who is battling drug addictions, tries to break into the grocery store after hours and gets put in jail. Alfred is not looking for a purpose in life, and decides to join Donatelli's Gym. He made this decision when he walked past it one night after thinking about his future. After meeting Mr. Donatelli, Alfred gets a strict work out plan and diet which he struggles through.
I liked this brook, though I think that the ending left off too early. I would like to know what happened with Alfred and James. Nonetheless, it was a good book and it was inspiring how Alfred's life wasn't going anywhere and he changed that and he was dedicated.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is interesting and is about Alfred and his struggle to be a fighter, or as they say in the book, a contender. It takes place in Harlem, New York. It is in Alfred's work, his house, and Donatelli's Gym for the most part. In some parts, Alfred and his family goes to Queens, where his Aunt and Uncle live. This book reminds me of the Rocky Balboa movies. Alfred and Rocky are both dedicated, work hard and train hard to get their goals. Also, they are both boxers and have families that do not approve of boxing for the most part.
I liked this brook, though I think that the ending left off too early. I would like to know what happened with Alfred and James. Nonetheless, it was a good book and it was inspiring how Alfred's life wasn't going anywhere and he changed that and he was dedicated.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is interesting and is about Alfred and his struggle to be a fighter, or as they say in the book, a contender. It takes place in Harlem, New York. It is in Alfred's work, his house, and Donatelli's Gym for the most part. In some parts, Alfred and his family goes to Queens, where his Aunt and Uncle live. This book reminds me of the Rocky Balboa movies. Alfred and Rocky are both dedicated, work hard and train hard to get their goals. Also, they are both boxers and have families that do not approve of boxing for the most part.
October 29, 2012
The Contender is the story of Alfred Brooks, a 17-year-old African-American high school dropout who is torn between the street life of his Harlem neighborhood, and his dreams of becoming a champion boxer. He lives with his aunt pearl and her 3 daughters. Alfred goes through rigorous training as he struggles to improve himself and overcome his doubts of his ability. I believe that boxing is a way for him to prove to himself that he has the heart of a contender in the boxing ring and in life even as his former life try’s to control him.
His childhood friend James is involved with a gang and battling a drug addiction and Alfred is caught between two different worlds. James is very easy to persuade because the bully named major persuades James to break into a store but James gets caught by the police while he was trying to break in. Then major blames Alfred about James getting arrested. Alfred gets beat up by them and then he tries even harder to be a contender.
I believe this story’s strong characters, and engaging storyline that makes it a must read for grades 6-12. I think that boys would like this book more than girls just because it is about boxing and girls don’t usually like boxing or anything physical. Though I think those older, and some younger would greatly enjoy this story also.
His childhood friend James is involved with a gang and battling a drug addiction and Alfred is caught between two different worlds. James is very easy to persuade because the bully named major persuades James to break into a store but James gets caught by the police while he was trying to break in. Then major blames Alfred about James getting arrested. Alfred gets beat up by them and then he tries even harder to be a contender.
I believe this story’s strong characters, and engaging storyline that makes it a must read for grades 6-12. I think that boys would like this book more than girls just because it is about boxing and girls don’t usually like boxing or anything physical. Though I think those older, and some younger would greatly enjoy this story also.
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