The Comeback Kid

As an anti-’beating each other up for fun’ person, I was surprised to find myself thoroughly enjoying 'The Comeback Kid'. Charlie is a small, thin, unremarkable lad who thinks he has no talents whatsoever. That changes when he starts high school and buddies up with Rocky, an MMA enthusiast with dreams of winning Olympic gold. Charlie discovers that he does actually have a talent: getting into trouble. As a result, Charlie’s mum sends him to the ‘middle of nowhere’ to live with his Dad. He sees trophies, and tells his dad about his dream to win the MMA competition and help his mother financially.

This novel is aimed at reluctant readers in upper primary. The text is spaced out, and keywords and phrases are formatted in large and interesting fonts. The chapters are short, again aiding accessibility. The descriptions of the combat scenes are detailed, enabling the reader to make the movie in their head.
Hemi-Morehouse’ illustrations show action, and determination on the combatants’ faces. Every chapter is broken up with black and white illustrations.

The story has a positive message: fighting is for self-defence, self-improvement, and self-control. As Charlie’s skills improve under the tutelage of his father, he learns important lessons about self-control, perseverance, friendship and loyalty, and the importance of family.