Pinned

Autumn struggles with reading and school work due to her learning disability, but excels as a competitive wrestler on her high school team. Her position as one of the only female wrestlers brings both challenges and opportunities as she works to prove herself in the male-dominated sport. The story follows Autumn's determination to maintain her spot on the wrestling team while facing mounting academic pressures that threaten her eligibility to compete. Her relationship with Adonis, a straight-A student who uses a wheelchair, adds complexity to her journey of self-discovery and growth. Autumn must confront expectations from her teachers, coaches, family and herself as she navigates high school life and works toward her goals. Through wrestling and her evolving connection with Adonis, she learns to see herself and her abilities in new ways. The novel explores themes of perseverance, self-acceptance, and breaking down stereotypes, while challenging conventional ideas about ability and success. Flake crafts an honest portrayal of learning differences and the various ways people overcome obstacles.

Readers highlight the authentic portrayal of learning disabilities and the realistic struggles of a high school wrestler. Many note the book addresses serious themes like poverty, body image, and academic challenges while maintaining an engaging narrative. Readers appreciate: - Relatable teen dialogue and relationships - Strong character development of both Autumn and Adonis - Accurate representation of wrestling culture - Discussion of disabilities without stereotypes Common criticisms: - Some found the dual perspectives confusing - Pacing drags in middle sections - A few readers wanted more resolution to certain plotlines Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ reviews) One reader noted: "The portrayal of Autumn's reading struggles hit close to home - finally a book that gets it right." Another mentioned: "Shows wrestling from a female perspective without making it feel forced." Average review length on Goodreads suggests readers feel strongly enough to write detailed responses rather than quick reactions.

The Wrestling Game by Stephen Somers A young wrestler confronts bullying and family expectations while training to qualify for the state championships.

Takedown by Laura Shovan Two middle school wrestlers - one male, one female - navigate their friendship and competitive aspirations in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Vision Quest by Terry Davis A high school wrestler dedicates himself to defeating an unbeaten state champion while dealing with poverty and personal relationships.

Running Full Tilt by Michael Currinder A track athlete balances his athletic ambitions with caring for his autistic brother and facing life-changing decisions.

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen A track star loses her leg in an accident and works to return to competition with help from a classmate with cerebral palsy.

🔹 The novel explores the challenges faced by a student with dyslexia, drawing from author Sharon G. Flake's personal experiences with learning disabilities and her daughter's struggle with reading. 🔹 Wrestling, a central theme in the book, has historically been one of humanity's oldest forms of combat sports, with origins dating back to prehistoric times and cave paintings from 15,000 years ago. 🔹 Sharon G. Flake worked as a youth counselor before becoming an author, giving her unique insights into the struggles and triumphs of young people like her characters Autumn and Adonis. 🔹 The book addresses both physical and learning disabilities, featuring a male character who uses a wheelchair and a female protagonist with dyslexia, promoting understanding of different types of challenges. 🔹 Pinned received recognition from the Bank Street College of Education as one of the Best Children's Books of the Year, highlighting its impact in addressing diversity and inclusion in young adult literature.