About the Book A 17-year-old Harlem boy struggles to become a champion boxer in this excellent novel (recommended) for use in the early phases of secondary school literature study (Language Arts). Book Synopsis The breakthrough modern sports novel The Contender shows readers the true meaning of being a hero. This acclaimed novel by celebrated sportswriter Robert Lipsyte, the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in YA fiction, is the story of a young boxer in Harlem who overcomes hardships and finds hope in the ring on his path to becoming a contender. Alfred Brooks is scared. Hes a high-school 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 didnt even do. So Alfred begins going to Donatellis Gym, a boxing club in Harlem that has trained champions. There he learns its the effort, not the win, that makes the boxer--that before you can be a champion, you have to be a contender. ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults * ALA Notable Childrens Book * New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age From the Back Cover Before you can be a champion, you have to be a contender. Alfred Brooks is scared. Hes 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 didnt even do. So Alfred begins going to Donatellis Gym, a boxing club in Harlem that has trained champions. There he learns its 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. Review Quotes A novel filled with hardships and hope. -- ALA Booklist