What do you think?
Rate this book
House Arrest #2
Knockout
Levi just wants to be treated like a typical kid. As a baby, he had a serious disease that caused him respiratory issues. He's fine now, but his mom and overprotective brother still think of him as damaged, and his schoolmates see him as the same class clown he's always been. He feels stuck. So when his dad—divorced from his mom—suggests he take up boxing, he falls in love with the sport. And when he finds out about a school with a killer boxing team and a free-study curriculum, it feels like he's found a ticket to a new Levi. But how can he tell his mom about boxing? And how can he convince his family to set him free?
339 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2018
167 people are currently reading
2412 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
April 18, 2018
I'm invested in these characters, so it was fun to visit them about a decade later and find out how the author wrote their future. Levi's voice wasn't as compelling to me as Timothy's in "House Arrest" and didn't have the same depth of language or situation. I liked when Levi's family interacted by writing in a notebook because we heard from Timothy again.
I liked finding out what happened later in this family's life, but I wish we had gotten more information about some of the minor characters I loved in the first book. Still, if you're a fan of "House Arrest", then "Knockout" is a worthwhile read.
I liked finding out what happened later in this family's life, but I wish we had gotten more information about some of the minor characters I loved in the first book. Still, if you're a fan of "House Arrest", then "Knockout" is a worthwhile read.
May 13, 2018
Thank you to Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
KNOCKOUT is the companion book to HOUSE ARREST, and I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. This is the story of Levi, Timothy's younger brother, who had serious health issues in the original story. Levi is a teenager now, and struggling to figure out who he is, despite the extreme cautiousness encouraged by his brother and mother. Levi decides he wants to take part in a sport, and with his father's encouragement, he starts to take boxing lessons. Levi finds boxing is something at which he's really good, but he knows his mom and overprotective brother won't support his new passion. When his boxing secret, and some recent health issues, come to light, Levi will need to stay strong and fight for what truly matters to him.
I love the way the characters and storyline HOUSE ARREST have developed and matured in KNOCKOUT. Timothy has become a responsible, mature, and parental figure who wants to get into medical school. He has nothing to do with his father, although Levi develops a relationship with him that plays an important role in the story. I also love how the boys communicate using Timothy's journal, and how he shares his experiences during his house arrest with Levi (a part of his life which he hasn't discussed until now because he didn't want Levi to feel guilty). These complex emotions and relationships are communicated so well in verse, and although the formatting of an eARC makes it impossible to really grasp and appreciate the full extent of the verse, I have no doubt that fans of the original book will love this one as well.
KNOCKOUT is the companion book to HOUSE ARREST, and I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. This is the story of Levi, Timothy's younger brother, who had serious health issues in the original story. Levi is a teenager now, and struggling to figure out who he is, despite the extreme cautiousness encouraged by his brother and mother. Levi decides he wants to take part in a sport, and with his father's encouragement, he starts to take boxing lessons. Levi finds boxing is something at which he's really good, but he knows his mom and overprotective brother won't support his new passion. When his boxing secret, and some recent health issues, come to light, Levi will need to stay strong and fight for what truly matters to him.
I love the way the characters and storyline HOUSE ARREST have developed and matured in KNOCKOUT. Timothy has become a responsible, mature, and parental figure who wants to get into medical school. He has nothing to do with his father, although Levi develops a relationship with him that plays an important role in the story. I also love how the boys communicate using Timothy's journal, and how he shares his experiences during his house arrest with Levi (a part of his life which he hasn't discussed until now because he didn't want Levi to feel guilty). These complex emotions and relationships are communicated so well in verse, and although the formatting of an eARC makes it impossible to really grasp and appreciate the full extent of the verse, I have no doubt that fans of the original book will love this one as well.
February 17, 2018
Thanks to @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this title - all opinions are my own.
Well, the only possible negative thing I can say about this one is that I wish it were longer! I just read House Arrest a few weeks ago in anticipation of this title, and I will say that although Knockout can be read as a stand alone, it is so so much richer after having read House Arrest. The verse is very accessible and the artistic elements used in some parts of the book are very visually appealing and I think that middle grade readers will love them. Lots of feeling, about a sport not often seen in kid lit, and a fantastic format.
These 2 titles should be in all middle school libraries!
Well, the only possible negative thing I can say about this one is that I wish it were longer! I just read House Arrest a few weeks ago in anticipation of this title, and I will say that although Knockout can be read as a stand alone, it is so so much richer after having read House Arrest. The verse is very accessible and the artistic elements used in some parts of the book are very visually appealing and I think that middle grade readers will love them. Lots of feeling, about a sport not often seen in kid lit, and a fantastic format.
These 2 titles should be in all middle school libraries!
March 24, 2018
Loved HOUSE ARREST better, but this is a solid second in a series. Can’t believe how old Timothy is, and I’m glad the dad didn’t change - makes it more realistic. Loved the journal, too, in this easy-to-read novel in verse.
March 21, 2020
I'm giving this five stars because it is so wonderfully written, the words are beautiful. "Knockout" is the follow up to "House Arrest" and is the story of Timothy's younger brother Levi. In "House Arrest" Levi was the unwell younger brother, and in "Knockout" he discovers why his older brother Timothy did the things he did. If you've read "House Arrest" then you definitely should read this one!
May 10, 2018
Surprise!
I make them laugh.
I make them point.
That way
the tightrope is mine
to control.
The excellence of middle grade literature continues! So far this year, I've had the pleasure of reading a number of terrific, moving, unique children's fiction titles, and that train of awesome continued with my back-to-back reading of K.A. Holt's House Arrest and Knockout. A companion novel-in-verse to 2015's House Arrest, Knockout tells the story of twelve-year-old Levi Davidson as he begins a tumultuous and audacious year.
Knockout is told in the first-person narrative of Levi. We are introduced to Levi and his world as he sets himself up to begin grade seven alongside his best friend Tam. Levi and Tam met back in kindergarten and discovered commonalities: both were born premature at two pounds and required an inhaler. However, as Levi tells us, the differences are vast. Levi had a trach as a child; his life has been in and out of hospitals, with him still having to go for major annual checkups. His mom (divorced from his dad) and Timothy continue to hover and set boundaries, watching, warning, and pleading with Levi to be careful. To always be safe. When Levi's dad suggest that Levi try a sport, he doesn't expect to fall in love with boxing, but he does. Levi discovers a raw aptitude for boxing; surprising everyone with tenacity and lightening speed that make up for his lack of height and slight build. As Levi's year marches on, he continues to hide boxing from Tam, his mom and brother-who would be terrified for his health- until one boxing accident lands him in the hospital, injured, vulnerable and with lies unveiled. As with House Arrest, Knockout is utterly compelling from opening to ending- Holt's writing is beautiful and seamless. Levi's voice is unforgettable here, and readers get to experience his fears, his mistakes with Tam, his highs, and hopes for a more independent future at a sports-focused school through dynamic and heartbreaking verse. Especially moving throughout the novel are the extraordinary moments and reveals between Timothy and Levi, which we get to read via their written exchanges to one another.
I take out an earbud
offer it to Timothy
and we listen together
head to head,
song after song,
the same music as always, and yet...
different now.
Overall, Knockout is terrific- profound, wise and funny, told in a blistering pace that wonderfully allows for both consequential and quiet moments to permeate. Readers who previously read and loved K.A. Holt's House Arrest might definitely be itching to read more about the Davidson boys- and to find out what Timothy is up to in his twenties! It is probably not necessary to have read House Arrest prior to Knockout, though I personally loved having read Timothy's story first and having been introduced to Levi when he was a baby. It's a win either way to get to read two tremendous, affecting and memorable books! Readers looking for more novels in verse in the vein of Kwame Alexander, or those who like authors such as Kate Messner, Beth Vrabel, Leslie Connor or Lisa Graff might especially love K.A. Holt's Knockout.
I received a copy of Knockout courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
April 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but I was disappointed that Levi doesn't know anything about Timothy's past. I thought that he would at least know that his brother went to juvie because he was trying to save his life. I liked that Levi found boxing as a way to escape the struggles of his everyday life. I will just say that I was disappointed that Levi didn't know more about his brother's past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2020
4.5 STARS
In this follow up to HOUSE ARREST, Levi is twelve years old and Timothy wants to go to medical school. Overprotected by his mom and brother and encouraged by his father to find a sport, Levi takes up boxing. He tells his mom he joined the chess club, so she won’t worry and hides that he’s his having breathing difficulties.
Levi is a spoiled, self-centered kid who’s used to getting what he wants from his family. He’s not used to sharing, so when his best friend Tam befriends Kate, he doesn’t handle it well. Levi is an imperfect kid who has a lot of growing to do.
Novels in verse are hit or miss for me. KNOCKOUT is a hit. KA Holt packs a lot of content into few words. I finished in less than an hour, though middle grade readers will probably take a bit longer.
Reluctant readers and all kids will enjoy KNOCKOUT.
In this follow up to HOUSE ARREST, Levi is twelve years old and Timothy wants to go to medical school. Overprotected by his mom and brother and encouraged by his father to find a sport, Levi takes up boxing. He tells his mom he joined the chess club, so she won’t worry and hides that he’s his having breathing difficulties.
Levi is a spoiled, self-centered kid who’s used to getting what he wants from his family. He’s not used to sharing, so when his best friend Tam befriends Kate, he doesn’t handle it well. Levi is an imperfect kid who has a lot of growing to do.
Novels in verse are hit or miss for me. KNOCKOUT is a hit. KA Holt packs a lot of content into few words. I finished in less than an hour, though middle grade readers will probably take a bit longer.
Reluctant readers and all kids will enjoy KNOCKOUT.
June 22, 2020
Good. Sequel to House Arrest. Good ending.
July 20, 2018
I picked this up on a whim from my new book display, and I'm really glad that I did! I really enjoyed Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt, so I'm not surprised to enjoy her style of storytelling in Knockout. Unlike most free verse that I've read, I really like the beats that Holt creates with her line breaks. It is most effective when Levi is describing boxing, as you can feel the swift movements and jabs through the way the words are arranged. Of course, I also love the way she turns the words into pictures throughout, just as a fun visual.
Levi's illness is a great metaphor for puberty, where kids are trying to find their own way, but they're also still fragile and susceptible to making mistakes and getting hurt. Seeing him grow into his own person was lovely, made all the better for the bumps along the way. I really loved Levi's relationships with his family members, especially his bother. The passing of notes is so accurate to the reality that communicating with your family can be more difficult than anything else.
Solid 4/5. This is a quick read with a lot of heart, so if you like middle grade novels with a well rounded male protagonist and stuff written in free verse, definitely check this out!
Levi's illness is a great metaphor for puberty, where kids are trying to find their own way, but they're also still fragile and susceptible to making mistakes and getting hurt. Seeing him grow into his own person was lovely, made all the better for the bumps along the way. I really loved Levi's relationships with his family members, especially his bother. The passing of notes is so accurate to the reality that communicating with your family can be more difficult than anything else.
Solid 4/5. This is a quick read with a lot of heart, so if you like middle grade novels with a well rounded male protagonist and stuff written in free verse, definitely check this out!
May 22, 2021
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mEAN IT!!!
This book was the WORST book of my life. The main character is the most selfish person I have ever read about.
There are many reasons why this book is so bad:
1: the character seems to have ADHD and makes the weirdest ways of diverting the situation.
2: the main character, Levi treats everyone like they are peasants and servants.
He also disrespects his older brother and at times will randomly just slam the door after he can't get his way.
Why!!!!!!!!!!
3: he makes everything dramatic, the whole story is of how he has such a bad life and NOTHING changes at the end, what was the point
Of reading about a dramatic boy who is rude to everyone????!!?!?!!
4: if you didn't know. His parents are divorcees who can't seem to be financially stable. The dad is, what feels like, always in underwear
And never shaves. His mom is a person who can't deal with things and just ignores it.
5: he first hates boxing but all the sudden starts signing up for class his parents can't afford, I know he loves boxing but of you can't go to the gym, get a boxing bag on Amazon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6: finally, my final reason.
THIS wAS THE WORST BOOK OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mEAN IT!!!
This book was the WORST book of my life. The main character is the most selfish person I have ever read about.
There are many reasons why this book is so bad:
1: the character seems to have ADHD and makes the weirdest ways of diverting the situation.
2: the main character, Levi treats everyone like they are peasants and servants.
He also disrespects his older brother and at times will randomly just slam the door after he can't get his way.
Why!!!!!!!!!!
3: he makes everything dramatic, the whole story is of how he has such a bad life and NOTHING changes at the end, what was the point
Of reading about a dramatic boy who is rude to everyone????!!?!?!!
4: if you didn't know. His parents are divorcees who can't seem to be financially stable. The dad is, what feels like, always in underwear
And never shaves. His mom is a person who can't deal with things and just ignores it.
5: he first hates boxing but all the sudden starts signing up for class his parents can't afford, I know he loves boxing but of you can't go to the gym, get a boxing bag on Amazon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6: finally, my final reason.
THIS wAS THE WORST BOOK OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 29, 2018
Thank you to @Kidlitxchange for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own. Knockout is a companion to the book House Arrest, but it can be read as a stand-alone. “This is a story of a young man trying to find his own path through the tangle of paths others have created for him.” Levi’s story is his love of climbing trees and boxing. He has a great sense of humor and lots of energy, so why does everyone insist on keeping him under “house arrest”?
This is a great story told through verse, which made me love it even more. This author is great at seeing the world through a kid’s eyes.
This is a great story told through verse, which made me love it even more. This author is great at seeing the world through a kid’s eyes.
February 21, 2018
This companion novel to House Arrest did not disappoint! This time readers hear from Levi as he fights to achieve what he considers a normal life. He examines his relationships with his mother, father, and brother, Timothy as he strives to move past his illness.
I received an early electronic copy from NetGalley.
I received an early electronic copy from NetGalley.
October 24, 2018
Loved it! Such a great companion to house arrest!
November 19, 2018
Powerful story ~real, raw, and brave; thanks to K.A. Holt for this one.
February 7, 2019
This was a really good book, and I really enjoyed it. It really makes me feel like I know how Levi feels. The main theme of the book was really good, and how Levi kept on going on what he wanted.
June 5, 2019
a wonderful follow up to Knockout! I want a third installment to follow the journey of these amazing boys as they move on from the traumatic illness that plagued their lives when Levi was born. Gr 4+
Read
May 30, 2025Sometimes you need to knock a lil middle grade read off the list. Not as compelling as the first one though
Read
June 20, 2023Read this immediately after the first one, House Arrest. Luckily for me, both are on our district MackinVia as e-books! Love our LMC directors!!! Great follow up story!
November 11, 2019
So sweet and tearjerker....
December 11, 2022
Honestly it kinda ruined house arrest. And that was a very good book . I should’ve been done different, and I’m very disappointed . Levi grew up kinda selfish and he doesn’t even comprehend how much Timothy is sacrificing. And then he has the AUDACITY to call him selfish . He complains about how “ I can never leave the house “ and “ I feel like I’m in a cage “ . Like you brother was in a cage . FOR YOU BRAT! YOU KNOW WHY TIM IS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL , HAVING ONCE AGAIN, BEING IN-DEPT SO THAT NO KID GROWS UP LIKE YOU ! BECAUSE HE GOT PUT IN JUVENILE DETENTION BECAUSE YOU WERE GONNA DIE AND THERE WAS NO NURSE OR DOCTER AND YOUR MOM HAD TO WORK TO PAY FOR YOU HELLA EXPENSIVE TREATMENT!!!!!!! With all of that being said …
U GO BACK TO YOUR DAD………………………
Sir, no .
When he found out how much it cost to keep you alive, he left. Dumping all the problems onto your, 13 year old, brother .
So ………
You don’t get to call him selfish.
You don’t get to complain.
You don’t get to compare.
And I quote:
“ I never see you ( open up your eyes )
A ghost 👻
A wisp of air
A smell in the kitchen
After you disappeared ( why is he the one who has to connect with you?)
Timothy , Timothy, Timothy ( you can put in effort to connect as well )
Working so hard ( yes ,brat , others work hard for you )
Only thinking about yourself ( EXCUSE ME WHAT !!!!!!)
Timothy, Timothy, Timothy ( yes that’s me )
Chained to your desk ( trying to go to medical school)
Your brain leaking out ( Trying to provide for your life )
Only thinking about yourself ( MENTALLY UNSTABLE NOW )
( LUNGS BRAKE FROM SCREAMING SO HARD )
10 minutes later …
I have stopped working
P.S. thank you Tim for standing up for your self
You did throw away your life FOR HIM
You did work for everything and he didn’t work for NOTHING
You did sell your record collection for a car FOR HIM
You did work every night so you could be there FOR HIM
you did pick a college close to home that’s not have as good as one you should’ve go to
Guess why ?
For him . 😔
U GO BACK TO YOUR DAD………………………
Sir, no .
When he found out how much it cost to keep you alive, he left. Dumping all the problems onto your, 13 year old, brother .
So ………
You don’t get to call him selfish.
You don’t get to complain.
You don’t get to compare.
And I quote:
“ I never see you ( open up your eyes )
A ghost 👻
A wisp of air
A smell in the kitchen
After you disappeared ( why is he the one who has to connect with you?)
Timothy , Timothy, Timothy ( you can put in effort to connect as well )
Working so hard ( yes ,brat , others work hard for you )
Only thinking about yourself ( EXCUSE ME WHAT !!!!!!)
Timothy, Timothy, Timothy ( yes that’s me )
Chained to your desk ( trying to go to medical school)
Your brain leaking out ( Trying to provide for your life )
Only thinking about yourself ( MENTALLY UNSTABLE NOW )
( LUNGS BRAKE FROM SCREAMING SO HARD )
10 minutes later …
I have stopped working
P.S. thank you Tim for standing up for your self
You did throw away your life FOR HIM
You did work for everything and he didn’t work for NOTHING
You did sell your record collection for a car FOR HIM
You did work every night so you could be there FOR HIM
you did pick a college close to home that’s not have as good as one you should’ve go to
Guess why ?
For him . 😔
July 30, 2020
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book is a follow-up to House Arrest. It focuses on Levi, the little brother whose health issues caused all the craziness of the first book. Now that Levi’s a teenager, he’s struggling to escape his family’s view that he’s helpless—he doesn’t want his illness to define him forever. When his dad suggests he take up boxing, Levi thinks he’s gone a little crazy—but then he tries it and he loves it. Problem is, he knows his mom would never let him keep it up if she knew. The story is told in verse, just like the first book in the series was, and I love all the ways that Holt plays with language to make it truly come alive. Levi’s desire to be his own person and not be perpetually treated like a child will resonate with many kids, even if they’ve never faced an illness like he has. And many kids will also relate to a kid who’s dealing with divorced parents who don’t necessarily always agree. Navigating that sort of situation can be tricky, and it’s nice to see it addressed. I really enjoyed this book—I loved seeing who the Levi from the first book eventually became, and his journey toward independence was compelling. I’m looking forward to reading even more of Holt’s work in the future!
This book is a follow-up to House Arrest. It focuses on Levi, the little brother whose health issues caused all the craziness of the first book. Now that Levi’s a teenager, he’s struggling to escape his family’s view that he’s helpless—he doesn’t want his illness to define him forever. When his dad suggests he take up boxing, Levi thinks he’s gone a little crazy—but then he tries it and he loves it. Problem is, he knows his mom would never let him keep it up if she knew. The story is told in verse, just like the first book in the series was, and I love all the ways that Holt plays with language to make it truly come alive. Levi’s desire to be his own person and not be perpetually treated like a child will resonate with many kids, even if they’ve never faced an illness like he has. And many kids will also relate to a kid who’s dealing with divorced parents who don’t necessarily always agree. Navigating that sort of situation can be tricky, and it’s nice to see it addressed. I really enjoyed this book—I loved seeing who the Levi from the first book eventually became, and his journey toward independence was compelling. I’m looking forward to reading even more of Holt’s work in the future!
December 17, 2017
One of my top ten favorite MG novels is House Arrest which is also one of my top 5 suggestions for MG reluctant readers (another being Holt's Rhyme Schemer). When I received an ARC of Knock Out, I moved it to the head of my TR pile, but I am not sure that I was ready for a book that did not focus on favorite character Timothy, rather on his little brother Levi. In House Arrest keeping the medically-fragile Levi safe was the rationale for all decisions made by Timothy, a victim of what happens when a good kid does a bad thing for a good reason. Now Levi is in 7th grade and trying to make his own life and find the boy who is no longer a victim of illness and an overprotective family. Despite a loving mother, big brother, and a good friend, Levi is more self-centered than Timothy was, but he feels he needs to be able to become his own independent person—which he does in a new passion for boxing. He finally convinces his mother and the now 24-year old Timothy to let him have his chance as he learns more about Timothy's sacrifices and the true motives of his father.
Knock Out is advertised as a companion novel to House Arrest. Since I already have the background from the first novel, I can not evaluate how effective it would be to read it alone or first. It might work well if students were paired to read the two novels (or half the class read each).
Knock Out is advertised as a companion novel to House Arrest. Since I already have the background from the first novel, I can not evaluate how effective it would be to read it alone or first. It might work well if students were paired to read the two novels (or half the class read each).
March 6, 2018
Knockout is the first novel in verse I’ve ever read, and I’m glad I started with middle grade. Levi’s story is simple and touching. Left with chronic respiratory issues after an earlier illness, we meet a Levi feeling very stuck and frustrated. He’s kept from normalcy by overprotective family members who treat him like a glass about to shatter, and from deepening friendships by his role as class clown and the transition into young adulthood everyone around him seems to be making. In an attempt to find a sense of self and freedom, Levi takes up boxing...and everything begins to change.
The book deals with so many relationship dynamics and ways people process hardship and stress, from the perspective of one who lives with illness. I actually found a lot of it a helpful perspective. It’s also a good introduction to verse for younger readers, even if I did wish for a little more variety in the vocabulary and descriptions. I couldn’t help but smile as Levi discovered his love for boxing; Holt communicates the joy of discovery so well. And the ending (no spoilers!) is so hopeful.
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
The book deals with so many relationship dynamics and ways people process hardship and stress, from the perspective of one who lives with illness. I actually found a lot of it a helpful perspective. It’s also a good introduction to verse for younger readers, even if I did wish for a little more variety in the vocabulary and descriptions. I couldn’t help but smile as Levi discovered his love for boxing; Holt communicates the joy of discovery so well. And the ending (no spoilers!) is so hopeful.
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
June 23, 2018
(I got this book for free from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers.)
I haven’t read “House Arrest”, the companion book to this one, but this book was able to stand on its own. (Though reading it did make me want to read the other.) The verse format made the story trip right along, though I could have done without the occasional typographical weirdness.
There are a lot of issues in this story: a sick child who’s growing up and wants to be like other kids, a distant and unreliable father, lying to your parents and keeping secrets from them, your best friend finding a new friend she seems to like better, conflict within the family, etc. These are many issues that kids in the target age, middle school, will have to deal with, and I thought the story handled them well.
I think middle school kids of either sex, particularly ones who are interested in boxing or who have dealt with chronic illness in themselves or their families, will really like this book.
I haven’t read “House Arrest”, the companion book to this one, but this book was able to stand on its own. (Though reading it did make me want to read the other.) The verse format made the story trip right along, though I could have done without the occasional typographical weirdness.
There are a lot of issues in this story: a sick child who’s growing up and wants to be like other kids, a distant and unreliable father, lying to your parents and keeping secrets from them, your best friend finding a new friend she seems to like better, conflict within the family, etc. These are many issues that kids in the target age, middle school, will have to deal with, and I thought the story handled them well.
I think middle school kids of either sex, particularly ones who are interested in boxing or who have dealt with chronic illness in themselves or their families, will really like this book.
April 23, 2018
I must start this by acknowledging that I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program, and I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I didn't have huge hopes for this, but boy could I not put it down. Seriously--I read it all in a single sitting, because I had to see it out. Holt manages to write Levi as sensitive and complex, even when things sometimes feel a little cliched or over the top. He makes bad choices, choices honestly that are so painful to watch him make that I like had to look away from the book from secondhand embarrassment, which is a fairly new thing for me. But he's also so clearly growing and making different choices, and it's super powerful to see. I'm not sure how the intended audience for this book would see it, but as an adult, I found it to be super compelling and powerful.
I didn't have huge hopes for this, but boy could I not put it down. Seriously--I read it all in a single sitting, because I had to see it out. Holt manages to write Levi as sensitive and complex, even when things sometimes feel a little cliched or over the top. He makes bad choices, choices honestly that are so painful to watch him make that I like had to look away from the book from secondhand embarrassment, which is a fairly new thing for me. But he's also so clearly growing and making different choices, and it's super powerful to see. I'm not sure how the intended audience for this book would see it, but as an adult, I found it to be super compelling and powerful.
December 19, 2018
This is such a wonderful, feel good book! Written in prose, which draws you to just keep reading clear through to the end. This is about a young man, Levi, ready to enter the 8th grade. He is small for his age due to several health issues, which keep him under the perhaps overly protective watch of his single mother, college-age brother, and dead beat dad. But when he is encouraged to get involved in sports or something to stay busy, he realized he likes boxing, and he actually is pretty good at it. Getting involved in a few questionable decisions, including lying and sneaking around, he finally has to come face-to-face with his abilities, dreams, health, friends and family relationships.
January 28, 2019
I wouldn’t have found this book if it weren’t for my students. After reading House Arrest, they were disappointed in the ending and asked if there was a sequel. I said no, that it was a stand-alone book. Luckily, they didn’t take my word for it and looked it up for themselves. We found this! It’s not a direct sequel; it takes place several years after House Arrest leaves off. I really enjoyed seeing the characters in a new way and from Levi’s perspective this time. The way the book uses shape verse, for lack of a better term, grew on me, just like Levi’s character did. I was surprised how much I was touched by the story as Levi tries to prove to his family and friends that he’s so much more than the sick little kid he used to be. If you liked House Arrest, I think you’ll love Knockout.
November 30, 2022
Actual Rating: 3.5
Ah, yes. The important lesson of not telling lies. I think we can all use this lesson every once in a while, just to remind us.
This book was not as funny as “House Arrest,” but the lesson to be taken away is just as important. Another different thing is that the author kept forming pictures with words. ACTUAL PICTURES ON THE PAGE MADE OF WORDS!!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. I’m happy that the book was different from “House Arrest,” though, because that gives Levi individuality.
Levi is one tough fighter. He’s little, and still sick sometimes, but he’s also powerful. His message should be an inspiration to those who have had a life like his. And don’t forget, he’ll
KNOCK
YOU
OUT!
Ah, yes. The important lesson of not telling lies. I think we can all use this lesson every once in a while, just to remind us.
This book was not as funny as “House Arrest,” but the lesson to be taken away is just as important. Another different thing is that the author kept forming pictures with words. ACTUAL PICTURES ON THE PAGE MADE OF WORDS!!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. I’m happy that the book was different from “House Arrest,” though, because that gives Levi individuality.
Levi is one tough fighter. He’s little, and still sick sometimes, but he’s also powerful. His message should be an inspiration to those who have had a life like his. And don’t forget, he’ll
KNOCK
YOU
OUT!
June 14, 2019
Knock Out is a good book full of different challenges and experiences. The main character is Levi, he is a young boy about to go into middles school. He has a best friend, a friend taker, an over protective father, a very caring brother, and a dad that know one really knows where he is. Levi has a illness that makes his mother and brother very over protective. When someone comes into his life and introduces him to boxing that will impact his life forever even if it means he has to get rushed to the hospital. Levi has a lot of new things coming this way and very interesting time in his middle school years. I enjoyed reading the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys drama, sports, and crazy experiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews