"My favorite books have two things: A world I've never seen before and a great character to experience it with. Bump delivers both in a heartfelt, powerful way. I loved stepping into the world of small-time professional wrestling with M.J. I winced every time she took a hit inside the ring and out, and I cheered every time she got up. What a great middle-grade debut. I truly cannot wait to see what Matt Wallace does next." -- Greg van Eekhout, author of Voyage of the Dogs and Cog "I love kids with big dreams, and MJ is a heroine to root for.

Bump introduces readers to the world of professional wrestling while also telling a story about grief, friends that become family, and finding your voice. An entertaining and heartwarming read!" -- Janae Marks, author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington "Matt Wallace makes every pro-wrestling fan's dream come true in Bump. Not only does he know his way around a wrestling ring--he'll have you booing at the heels and cheering for the faces, just like you would ringside--but he knows how to tell a story. Middle-school gymnast turned wrestler MJ isn't just trying to find herself, but the courage to be herself, in a world where cliques, cruelty, unfairness, and grief beat you down. But Bump teaches you that, in life and Lucha, there's always a surprise move that can save you from defeat and pin your opponent--and your fears--down." -- Carlos Hernandez, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of the Sal and Gabi series "This book did a pile drive on my heart. I was so quickly captivated by MJ as she navigated grief and excitement, fear and joy. Reading Bump is having ringside seats to a touching, hilarious story that the world so desperately needs right now.

" -- Mark Oshiro, author of Anger Is a Gift and Each of Us a Desert "Adult fantasy writer Wallace draws on his own wrestling background to make MJ's every physically punishing step forward a visceral experience for sports-story enthusiasts, and her steady movement toward independence and the acceptance of her father's death will gratify middle grades domestic drama readers." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "The characters and events are rendered with all the beautifully unambiguous melodrama of a wrestling angle: loathsome bad guys, dramatic promos, and undeniably exciting action. Young fans will cherish gaining a deeper understanding of "sports entertainment"--and of the Mexican-wrestling tradition of lucha libre--and newcomers, too, will find in MJ a baby face worth cheering for." -- Booklist.