When Bobby is unwillingly outed he turns to boxing, finding a hero in Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, but when Pacquiao publicly denounces homosexuality, Bobby must discover a hero within himself.

Bobby's motto is self preservation. That's how he survived his notoriously violent high school unscathed. Being out and queer would put an unavoidable target on his back, especially in a Filipino community that frowns on homosexuality. When Bobby is unwilling outed, he no longer has the luxury of being invisible. A vicious encounter has him scrambling for a new way to survive: by fighting back. Inspired by champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, he takes up boxing and challenges his tormentor. Then Pacquiao publicly declares his stance against queer people, and Bobby's faith-- in his hero and in himself-- is shaken to the core. -- adapted from jacket

Ages 12 and up.,Viking.

Grades 7-9.,Viking.