The Underdog

One day we will fight again, but for now we are wolves in a cage, waiting to be let out...The Wolfe family has fallen on hard times. Mr. Wolfe has had an accident at work and has been unemployed for months. Mum cleans longer and harder, and works a night shift at the hospital.Sarah gets drunk now and then. Older brother Steve wants to leave home, to forget about his lunatic family. When Cameron and Ruben find they can earn fifty dollars a win with an organizedboxing racket, they take the chance. Ruben has talent for boxing and Cameron has heart at least. They need the money, but it’s really about self-respect. Boxing will change forever the way they see themselves.Author Markus Zusak pens a surprisingly complex and touching story that will linger long with readers. The language is hard-hitting, witty, and authentic - as are the emotions and action. Fighting Ruben Wolfe is not about boxing. It's about respect, stubborn pride, and real brotherly love. Fans of THE BOOK THIEF won't want to miss listening to the novels that launched Markus Zusak's stellar career.

Markus Zusak is the award-winning author of The Book Thief and I Am the Messenger, both Michael L. Printz Honor Books. Markus Zusak's writing career began in high school, where he led a "pretty internal existence. . . . I always had stories in my head. So I started writing them." He lives with his wife and two children in Sydney, Australia, where he is currently working on his new novel Bridge of Clay.