"I loved this book so much, especially the detailed drawings of our city and how it used boxing as a metaphor for life because it is a big part of our community. I really liked how this book spoke about people not being ashamed of speaking multiple languages and how we should embrace being bilingual instead of bringing people down for speaking more languages. This book teaches us that we should encourage everyone to be themselves and to not judge people by the way they look. This amazing book is necessary for our community to show people to follow their dreams and be proud of our city Oxnard AKA BOXNARD ð?¥."
-Javier Garcia Boxing Advocate, Father, & Proud Resident of Boxnard
"In Boxnard, Dr. Gonzalez surfaces ways to 'flip the script' in order to honor the lived experiences and accomplishments of people who are so often systematically dismissed, displaced and erased. His engaging and empowering storytelling, paired with vividly colorful illustrations, invites readers to connect on a personal level with being proud of who they are and where they come from. Boxnard offers 'counterstories as counterpunches' to uplift and celebrate those that society consistently oppresses while paying homage to Dr. Gonzalez's cultural and geographical roots. I highly recommend checking out this beautifully crafted book that tells the story of how boxing helps to teach critical life lessons of pride, presence and empowerment."
-Juju Jones, MS HOLLA School Director of Climate, Instruction & Professional Development
"Boxnard taught me that a bunch of professional boxers are from Oxnard. It's awesome! It makes me feel proud to live in Oxnard. It makes me sad that people think that Oxnard is a bad place to live because we have a lot to offer. I like this book because it tells people who are not from Oxnard that we are not bad people."
-Ximena Cahuantzi 10-year-old from Oxnard
"Boxing, a sport rooted in storytelling, undergoes a transformative journey in Boxnard. Breaking away from traditional boxing narratives merely aimed at selling the spectacle, this book empowers young readers through storytelling. Introducing counterstories as proactive responses, akin to life's counterpunches, Boxnard inspires readers to self-author their narratives and uncover inherent beauty within. Notably, the book also centers Oxnard, immortalizing its vibrant boxing history and paying homage to the pivotal fighters who emerged from this special place."
-Rudy Mondrag³n, PhD Boxing Expert and University Professor
"This children's book is an important message to the Mexican-American youth to see a positive for every negative presented to them in life. Everyone is dealt different cards in life, but the clever way this book uses something as great as boxing (what Oxnard is known for) to overcome any and all obstacles is moving and inspiring. While boxing teaches strength, discipline and 'counterpunches', they are lessons that our youth can use to navigate negativity and stigmas in our culture."
-Adrian Casas Youth Boxing Coach
"Honest, inspiring, relatable, and bilingual, Boxnard will be a staple in my dual language classroom. With the aid of impactful illustrations, Dr. Gonzalez conveys empowering truths and struggles that will undoubtedly resonate with our Oxnard youth and motivate them to create their own 'counterstories.' As a teacher in 'Boxnard,' I appreciate books written to eliminate stereotypes and misconceptions of our people. This book is no exception."
-Brenda Alcaraz, M.Ed. Oxnard Teacher
