Sparring With Boys, Keeping a Dream Calendar, and Setting Her Sights on the 2024 Olympics: An Interview With 12-year-old Jesselyn Silva
My Corner of the Ring
Hardcover $17.99
My Corner of the Ring
In Stock Online
Hardcover $17.99
My Corner of the Ring is an inspiring memoir about twelve-year-old Jesselyn Silva, a bright, strong Latinx girl who has known she wanted to be a boxer since she was in first grade. Her dad has raised Jess on his own, and supported her drive to find partners to spar as some judged her, saying girls shouldn’t fight in the ring. Jess remains one of the few female boxers in the United States. This summer, Jess is off to attend the Junior Olympic National tournament!
My Corner of the Ring is an inspiring memoir about twelve-year-old Jesselyn Silva, a bright, strong Latinx girl who has known she wanted to be a boxer since she was in first grade. Her dad has raised Jess on his own, and supported her drive to find partners to spar as some judged her, saying girls shouldn’t fight in the ring. Jess remains one of the few female boxers in the United States. This summer, Jess is off to attend the Junior Olympic National tournament!
When you were 10 years old… director Emily Sheskin made a short, award-winning film about you, your father, and your dreams of becoming a professional fighter and competing in the 2024 Olympics. How would you say that you’ve changed in the past 2 years?
Yes, the short film started when I was 10-years-old and the full documentary will be released in 2024, the year of the Olympics. I’m 13 now, in the past three years I can definitely say my boxing improved a whole lot since then.
Who gave you the nickname “JessZilla?”
My coach thought of that name one day after some tough sparring.
The mother in me wants to know: Do you wear a helmet when you’re in the ring?
Yes, when it comes to sparring all protective equipment must be on i.e. mouth piece, hand wraps, headgear, etc.
I’d love to know about your writing process with your co-writer, Brin Stevens. Your story is told in a way that pulls the reader right in! Did she interview you every week?
Yes, Brin would interview me and my dad over the phone about 2 to 3 days of the week for a couple of hours. She even came to visit us a couple of times and even attended one of my matches.
Please tell me about your schedule.
I train 5 days a week for about 2 hours. I have been training with Don Somerville for a little over 4 years now.
I’m curious to know if you’re still only paired up to box against boys these days?
When it comes to sparring 90% of the time, it is with boys but for sanctioned matches I can only be matched up with girls.
Bad Dad
Hardcover $16.99
Bad Dad
By
David Walliams
Illustrator
Tony Ross
Hardcover $16.99
What do you like to do when you’re not boxing?
What do you like to do when you’re not boxing?
When I’m not boxing I like to draw, read books, play with my brother, play basketball, go to movies, go swimming, and a hundred of other things!
Where have you traveled for matches? Have you ever been to Cuba?
No, I have never been to Cuba but it’s definitely on my bucket list! For some matches, I have traveled to New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, Connecticut and Virginia. It’s always fun to travel!
You’re vegan, yes?
Yes, I have been vegan for about three years now. It’s been quite a journey—a very tasty and healthy one!
Genesis Begins Again
Hardcover $17.99
Genesis Begins Again
In Stock Online
Hardcover $17.99
What are you reading right now in seventh grade?
What are you reading right now in seventh grade?
I’m actually in 7th grade now! I recently read a book called Bad Dad and Genesis Begins Again—great books, I recommend them both!
Tell me about your dream calendar? (How cool!) Was it a gift from someone? How often do you write in it?
I made my dream calendar when I was 9 years old and I write in it every day. It’s like a dream planner on a calendar I create.
I’d love to know about your summer plans…
My summer plans are to attend the Junior Olympic National tournament which is being held in Wisconsin towards the end of June. Second, we are taking a trip to Florida and I am going to visit family while I am there. Third have a lot of fun in the sun!
My Corner of the Ring is on B&N bookshelves now.