Book Descriptions
for Fighting Ruben Wolfe by Markus Zusak
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
In a stunning U.S. debut, Australian novelist Markus Zusak chronicles the struggles of 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 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 is out of work. Above all, Zusak’s fast and funny novel is about the complex relationship between the two brothers, who care deeply for each other but can’t talk about it except through the good-natured barbs they exchange like punches and counter punches. Winner, CCBC Printz Award Discussion (Ages 12–16)
CCBC Choices 2002 . © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2002. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
FIGHT CLUB meets THE OUTSIDERS in this knockout debut, written in a voice both fierce and sensitive.
The working class family of Cameron Wolfe and his brother Ruben isn't having much luck these days. Their dad has just lost his job and is too proud to go on welfare. Their older brother has moved out of the house in disgust. Which leaves them open to suggestion when a local boxing promotor signs them up for illegal bouts. But it's more than the meager winnings that draws the two brothers in. Soon they find themselves fighting for something else. Is it pride? Love? Or just the experience of winning for once?
A knockout debut from the front lines of a family's recession.
The working class family of Cameron Wolfe and his brother Ruben isn't having much luck these days. Their dad has just lost his job and is too proud to go on welfare. Their older brother has moved out of the house in disgust. Which leaves them open to suggestion when a local boxing promotor signs them up for illegal bouts. But it's more than the meager winnings that draws the two brothers in. Soon they find themselves fighting for something else. Is it pride? Love? Or just the experience of winning for once?
A knockout debut from the front lines of a family's recession.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.