About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Nobody understands why Tori has suddenly become so moody and violent.
When she attacks a stranger in a store, she ends up doing community service at a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She bonds with a little girl named Casey, but when Casey is abducted while in Tori’s care, Tori is racked with guilt, certain that she should have been able to prevent the abduction. During the search for Casey, Tori comes face to face with an ex-boyfriend who sexually assaulted her at a party. Only when she speaks out about the assault is she able to begin to heal.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- , University of South Florida Joan F. Kaywell Books Save Lives Award
Editorial Reviews
"A very personal look at the effects of sexual assault on a teenage girl and how she deals with it, an important story to tell. [Krossing] does a good job telling it from the perspective of the teenage victim."
— VOYA
"Tori's emergence from trauma is lightly sketched, a shorthand recovery that relies on narrative conventions rather than character development—making for an easy read about a hard topic, which is no bad thing. Unusually, her coming of age requires not that she stop being violent but that she learn to apply violence appropriately. A fast-paced book about healing through helping others, speaking up and physical self-defense."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Punch Like a Girl provides a riveting, suspenseful, and compelling story that helps readers understand the importance of speaking out, being strong, and fighting back."
— EducationNOW, Center for Educational Improvement
"An explosive and addictive story that will grip the reader with suspense from the jabbing first sentences until the end...A compelling, moving and powerfully emotional story. Highly Recommended."
— Recently Read blog
"Krossing provides a modern version of an age-old story, with a very real, very strong heroine. Tori’s flaws make her believable, while her growth makes her admirable."
— Resource Links
"This cast of memorable characters leaves readers with a story that is a powerful testament to loving relationships—with family, friends, and most importantly, ourselves."
— School Library Connection
"Delivers a knockout blow to the idea that women who experience sexual violence need to suffer in silence...Punch Like a Girl sends a powerful message to women of all ages...It's an inspiring story of redemption, and perseverance."
— AWS Publishing
"Krossing’s novel touches on several themes, including having the strength to speak out against violence, the realities of domestic violence, abduction and learning to heal...The novel’s action keeps the pages turning...[and] offers readers strong female characters...Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"While Krossing...acknowledges the importance of self-defense, the story makes clear that sharing one’s pain is equally important. Tori’s anger is palpable throughout, and her emotional evolution is empowering."
— Publishers Weekly
"This story begins with a bang. Tori is in distress and her fury simmers throughout the novel...The writing is raw and in your face; as Tori's issues escalate, the reader tries to keep up. I found myself judging Tori, yet caring about her enough to be curious as to how far she'd go, where her choices would take her...Punch Like a Girl finishes with a punch, leaving the reader satisfied."
— Raves and Faves blog
"The first-person present-tense narration gives a sense of immediacy and pulls readers along with the protagonist as she seeks ways to stop feeling helpless in the aftermath of the assault...While comparisons to Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak (Farrar, 1999) are inevitable, Tori’s journey is her own and will provide another option for encouraging necessary discussions on sexual assault."
— School Library Journal
"This book is incredible because it raises awareness of a problem in the world that is truly horrible. It teaches girls to fight back and speak out. Be strong."
— YALSA YA Galley Teen Review
"Fierce and compelling, Krossing's characters are vividly drawn and very human."
— Marthe Jocelyn, author
