Brought together by boxing and the radio

If you enjoy stories that are told in alternating voices, look for Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney.  This takes place in the 1930s, and the chapters are narrated by three 12-year-olds: Hibernia is a minister's daughter who longs to be a nightclub singer like her mother, who left years ago; Otis is now at the Mercy Home for Negro Orphans, since his parents were killed in an accident; Willie is an aspiring boxer and has run away to the Mercy Home, after his hands were injured by his abusive father.  Running throughout the story are radio broadcasts of famous boxer Joe Louis's matches, which have a different impact on each child.  The voices of the three youngsters are wonderful, and the reader feels the pain, pride, and hope of each one as they overcome pretty tough situations in their lives while maintaining their dignity and a sense of humor.  This would be great to read in a book club!