Spilling across a portrait of a common office building, powerful red letters shout “Bam Bam Bam!” “Smack!” and “Thump Thump!” This is the entrance to Gleason’s Gym. For those unfamiliar with the boxing world, Gleason’s Gym is landmark—“It’s down on the Brooklyn waterfront just a left hook away from the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s the most famous boxing gym in the world.” Inside the nondescript building is an impressive world of sights, sounds, and the smell of sweat. Boxers of all ages, boys and girls, men and women, novices and professionals train at Gleason’s Gym. Meet Sugar Boy, a nine-year-old fighting champion. Sugar Boy works on his boxing skills six days a week. “Bzzzzzz!” rings the bell during practice rounds. “Pop! Pop! Pop!” is the sound of padded punches. “Ratatatatata” is the rhythmic pounding of swings on a punching bag. As Sugar Boy trains for an upcoming championship, he is surrounded by a community of boxers who exhibit tremendous strength in mind and body. Author, illustrator, and former professional wrestler Ted Lewin portrays boxing in a fresh light in this action-filled visit to Gleason’s Gym. (Ages 8–12)

A KNOCKOUT OF A BOOK about the world's most famous gym.

"At Gleason's Gym the world works out. It's down on the Brooklyn waterfront just a left hook away from the Brooklyn Bridge." This spectacular book puts you smack in the middle of the action. But it's more than a book about boxing: It's about the heart of a community, and about the power of practice, perseverance, and staying true to yourself. Paintings, sketches and words by Caldecott Honor artist and former professional wrestler Ted Lewin are your guide to this extraordinary place.