Fighting Ruben Wolfe
In a stunning U.S. debut, Australian novelist Markus Zusak chronicles the struggles to two teenage brothers growing up in a close-knit working class family. Awkward Cameron admires his slightly older brother, Ruben, who seems to excel at everything Cameron values, from romance to athletics. The two are used to sparring in their backyard, sharing a single pair of boxing gloves between them, so when the opportunity arises for them to earn a bit of pocket money by participating in amateur boxing matches, they readily agree. Not surprisingly, Ruben quickly rises to the top, while Cameron, the underdog, battles continually just to stay in the ring. The boys' boxing matches become a subtle metaphor for their lives as Wolfes, a resilient family that pulls together in hard times, too proud to accept government assistance when their dad's out of work. Above all, Zusak's fast and funny novel is about the complex relationship between two brothers who obviously care deeply for each other but can't talk about it except through the good-natured barbs they exchange like punches and counter punches. ©2001 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Brothers
Economic Hardship and Poverty
Families
Humor
Sports
Publisher:
Arthur A. Levine Books
Publish Year: 2001
Pages: 219
ISBN: 043924188X
CCBC Location: Fiction, Zusak