Next Round: A Young Athlete's Journey to Gold Hardcover – July 15, 2016

This book is about a Canadian athlete named Arthur Biyarslanov who, after he broke his leg during soccer practice, tried out boxing. Arthur is from Chechnya and was only three years old during the First Chechen War. He and his family had to escape from Chechnya as refugees to find a better place to live. This is a true story, and also a very exciting one. My favorite character in this book is… ARTHUR, or course! My favorite part of this book was when Arthur faced Zsolt, another boxing champion, for the first time. Will Arthur defeat Zsolt? Read the book and you’ll find out.I give the book 5 stars because it was entertaining the whole time. I recommend this book to kids who want to be athletes or boxers when they are older, and kids who like sports and exciting stories.

John Spray has written an exciting fast paced novel that is engaging and accessible for young readers. Young readers will become immersed in Arthur's narrow escape from Chechnya. The author's knowledge for Arthur's sport makes for an engrossing read. The font and design of this book is very appealing for reluctant readers. Every chapter has snapshots of Arthur on his journey to gold. The full colour glossy insert of photos is lovely too. The fonts and overall design really set this book apart. The paperback edition stands up nicely with its French flaps on the cover. A must have for every school library. A refreshing tale about a Muslim refugee who strives, succeeds and is a welcome role model for teens and tweens. We need more books like this for young North Americans!

John Spray has written an exciting fast paced novel that is engaging and accessible for young readers. Readers will become immersed in Arthur's narrow escape from Chechnya. The author's knowledge for Arthur's sport makes for an engrossing read. The font and design of this book is very appealing for reluctant readers. Every chapter has snapshots of Arthur on his journey to gold. A short well written novel that is not overwelming for your most reluctant reader. The full colour glossy insert of photos is lovely too. The fonts and overall design really set this book apart. The paperback edition stands up nicely with its French flap cover. A must have for every school library. A refreshing tale about a Muslim refugee who strives, succeeds and is a welcome role model for teens and tweens. We need more books like this for young Canadians.

This is an excellent book. It is far more than a sports biography for boys. Young Arthur Biyarslanov's success in the world of sports is told against the backdrop of war, flight, new cultures, and new languages. Spray gives the reader a strong sense of the struggles of the Chechen refugee community. While Arthur is still young, his family settles in Azerbaijan. There Arthur becomes a soccer star. When the family moves to Toronto, Arthur continues to play soccer until he discovers a new passion--boxing. Spray does a masterful job of describing the bouts and Arthur's frustration as a he tries to master the sport. He ultimately wins a gold medal at the Pan Am games.The book is enriched by many photographs of family, Arthur's soccer teams, and his life in the ring. While it is meant for middle school boys, adults will enjoy it, too.

Surprised at how small this book was. But very good.