Takedown

Reviewed by: Kerrie Lattari - York Middle School, York, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2018

Review

This middle grade novel is told in alternating voices between 6th graders Mickey and Lev, who are both vying for a state wrestling title. Mickey comes from a family of wrestlers and is bound and determined to join the same travel team her brother's were a part of. When the coach refuses to let her join the all male team, she finds a place on another--the Gladiators. There, Mickey is partnered with Lev and she struggles to find her place among the boys. Lev on the other hand has his own problems including his mixed feelings about continuing with wrestling. Family, friendship, and identity are all explored in a way that middle schoolers will find relatable. It is refreshing to see a novel about wrestling, with a strong female lead no less, in a world of sports fiction that tends to be dominated by more mainstream sports.

Overall Book Score: very good