The Knockout Trailer
The Knockout will be here on January 26th! Preorder your copy and watch the trailer below!
About The Knockout
A rising star in Muay Thai figures out what (and who) is worth fighting for in this YA debut full of heart.
If seventeen-year-old Kareena Thakkar is going to alienate herself from the entire Indian community, she might as well do it gloriously. She’s landed the chance of a lifetime, an invitation to the US Muay Thai Open, which could lead to a spot on the first-ever Olympic team. If only her sport weren’t seen as something too rough for girls, something she’s afraid to share with anyone outside of her family. Despite pleasing her parents, excelling at school, and making plans to get her family out of debt, Kareena’s never felt quite Indian enough, and her training is only making it worse.
Which is inconvenient, since she’s starting to fall for Amit Patel, who just might be the world’s most perfect Indian. Admitting her feelings for Amit will cost Kareena more than just her pride—she’ll have to face his parents’ disapproval, battle her own insecurities, and remain focused for the big fight. Kareena’s bid for the Olympics could very well make history—if she has the courage to go for it.
About The Author
Sajni Patel was born in vibrant India and raised in the heart of Texas, surrounded by a lot of delicious food and plenty of diversity. She draws on personal experiences, cultural expectations, and southern flair to create worlds that center around strong Indian women. Once in MMA, she’s now all about puppies and rainbows and tortured love stories.
Advanced Praise for The Knockout
“The beauty and power of being a high-school girl, an Indian woman, and a female athlete are all showcased in this triumphant novel.”—Booklist, starred review
“A good purchase for libraries where female-led sports books circulate well.”—School Library Journal
“A bold manifesto for today’s teens about embracing friendships and community while finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself. A true knockout of a book!”—Marissa Meyer, #1 NYT Bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, and The Renegades Trilogy
“A knockout of a smart, heartfelt rom-com with a driven, practical heroine. The love story is sweet, the family relationships are tender, and the martial arts competition is fierce. Plus, just the right amount of high school drama keeps the pages turning!”—Kendare Blake, #1 NYT Bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series
“Kareena is the kind of badass heroine I would’ve loved as an Indian-American teenager!”—Shaila Patel, award-winning author of The Joining of Souls series
“S.A. Patel has created a knockout in Kareena Thakkar, a lovable muay thai champion who fights for her family, her friends, and fierce girls everywhere.”—Sarah Deming, author of Gravity