Fighting Ruben Wolfe
As Cameron and Ruben Wolfe walk home from school one day, a rough bloke  awaits them at their gate. "Can we talk inside?" he asks."Well, for starters," Rube answers, "who the hell are y'?""Oh, I'm sorry," says the stranger. "I'm a guy who can either change your life  or smack it into the ground for bein' smart."The brothers decide to listen. They keep listening, and soon they're embroiled  in a ruthless underground world of sleazy amateur boxing, 50 bucks for a win, a  decent tip for a loss. The intensity of this kind of fighting goes beyond the  obvious violence and danger, though, as Cameron wonders whether he even wants to  come out from his brother's shadow and both boys seek an identity beyond that of  their painfully harsh working class family's.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 Wolfeis not about boxing. It's  about respect, stubborn pride, and real brotherly love. (Ages 12 and older)--Emilie Coulter--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.