Chasing Pacquiao
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5.0 • 3 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
"Rod Pulido delivers the ultimate one-two punch: bare-knuckled, bruising honesty wrapped in humor, sincerity, and sweetness." — Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Experience the extreme joys, sorrows, and triumphs of a queer Filipino-American teenager struggling to prove himself in an unforgiving world. A poignant coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of Patron Saints of Nothing and Juliet Takes a Breath.
Self preservation. That's Bobby's motto for surviving 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. It's best to keep his head down, get good grades, and stay out of trouble.
But when Bobby is unwillingly outed in a terrible way, he no longer has the luxury of being invisible. A vicious encounter has him scrambling for a new way to survive—by fighting back. Bobby is inspired by champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to take up boxing and challenge his tormentor. But when Pacquiao publicly declares his stance against queer people, Bobby's faith—in his hero and in himself—is shaken to the core.
A powerful and unflinching debut that will both shatter and uplift hearts with every read.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
L.A. high schooler Bobby Agbayani keeps his romantic relationship with fellow comics enthusiast Bran secret from their closed-minded classmates. Despite Bobby's attempts to remain invisible, however, resident bully Rex targets him when Bobby is outed via graffiti on his locker. After enduring a brutal beating from Rex, Bobby endeavors to emulate his childhood hero, boxer Manny Pacquiao, and learn to defend himself. He gets a job at Jab Gym, a local boxing center, and trains under the gym's owner, Luke. Bobby meanwhile navigates grief over his father's death, contends with relationship troubles with Bran due to their socioeconomic differences, and suffers more cruel run-ins with Rex. And a homophobic public comment from Pacquiao further shakes Bobby's confidence in himself. Bobby's sincere narration expertly highlights issues of intolerance, financial disparity, the complicated feelings brought about by one's heroes having harmful values, and Bobby's inner turmoil around wanting to protect himself and exit the violent cycle he feels trapped in. Debut author Pulido presents a bighearted portrait of one queer teen's desire to feel safe and seen, boosted by a warm and compassionate cast. Major characters are Filipino; there is racial diversity throughout. Ages 12–up.
