Note: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase via the links in this post. This is a way to support indie bookstores & the work I put into this blog! It’s appreciated, but never expected
Title: Chasing Pacquiao
Author: Rod Pulido
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Category: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release date: May 2, 2023
Synopsis: “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. Then Pacquiao publicly declares his stance against queer people, and 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.
CONTENT WARNING for profanity, violence, and homophobic language.”
When queer Filipino-American teen Bobby is outed at school, he begins to fear for his safety; having always idolized Manny Pacquiao, he turns to boxing as a form of self-defense. But at the boxing gym he joins, he finds so much more: self-confidence, community, and a sense of self. As Bobby continues to fight for his own survival, he navigates straining relationships and must grapple with the knowledge that his hero may not love him back.
This YA contemporary brings a touch of humor while also exploring tough topics like homophobia, class, and cultural identity. Bobby is someone many teens will relate to: he’s just a nerdy, comic-loving queer teen trying to survive and figure out who he is. This is definitely a character-driven novel in which the focus is on a personal journey of growth; the story boasts a vibrant cast of supporting characters, from Bobby’s boyfriend Brandon to his larger-than-life best friend Rosie to his mentor at the boxing gym.
Ultimately, Bobby’s story is one of heartbreak but also hope. His devastation at discovering that Manny Pacquiao is homophobic will hit home with anyone who has ever felt let down by their hero. Readers will root for Bobby as he fights for not only his physical safety, but also to find a hero within himself. The boxing theme of this book also makes it a great recommendation for readers looking for sports fiction.
This coming-of-age novel is a love letter to queer Filipino-American teens, who are still majorly underrepresented in mainstream YA. As a queer Fil-Am reader myself, I loved seeing this representation and am looking forward to seeing what Pulido writes next. It’s also worth noting that this book clocks in at 261 pages, making it a nice choice for teens who stronger with longer books (these days it seems tricky to find any YA books under 300 pages!). I’ll be recommending this one to fans of Randy Ribay, Camryn Garrett, or Dahlia Adler.
Have you read this one yet? If so, what did you think?
Books. Libraries. Also, cats. 