Hands by Torrey Maldonado

Trev’s life is defined by his hands—what they can create and what they can destroy. He’s a talented artist who dreams of building a better future, but when his abusive stepfather threatens to return, Trev turns to boxing as a way to protect his mom and sisters. Although his friends and mentors see his artistic gift as the path forward, Trev can’t shake the feeling that learning to fight might be the only way to keep his family safe.

In Hands, Torrey Maldonado crafts a powerful, fast-paced story about fear, masculinity, community, and choice. Through Trev’s struggle, Maldonado asks readers a vital question: How will you use your hands?

What Worked

• A short book with real impact – Maldonado tells a complete, layered story in a small number of pages. Short chapters make it approachable for reluctant readers while maintaining emotional depth.
• An authentic voice – Trev’s narration feels genuine and grounded in reality. His voice captures the confusion, anger, and protectiveness of a middle schooler caught in adult problems.
• Community and mentorship – The neighborhood “uncles” who guide Trev are one of the book’s strongest elements, showing how real men model strength through compassion rather than violence.
• A meaningful message – The recurring theme, whether to use one’s hands to build or to fight, packs a lasting punch. The story ends honestly, not neatly, which gives readers plenty to discuss.

What Didn’t Work

• Missed opportunities – References to real-life boxers like Mike Tyson could have been explored more deeply, especially given the story’s theme of violence and control.
• Open-ended resolution – Although the conclusion feels authentic, a few scenes could have been more clearly resolved to show Trev’s growth. That said, it mirrors the truth that life doesn’t always provide closure.

Final Thoughts

As a former middle school teacher, I can confidently say this is the middle school version of Hands Are Not for Hitting. Maldonado takes that early childhood message and elevates it, helping older readers think critically about when strength becomes harmful and how to choose courage over violence.

Hands is short, accessible, and full of heart. It’s perfect for classroom discussion, especially for students exploring identity, masculinity, and the role of anger. Torrey Maldonado doesn’t hand readers an easy solution; he invites them to think deeply about what it means to protect, to build, and to grow.

My Rating: 4/5 stars.
Powerful, real, and ultimately hopeful, this is a book I’d hand to every middle schooler navigating what it means to have “promise” and power.