The Champion [Hardcover]

Maurice Gee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1993 | Age Level: 11 and up

During World War II, Rex, a young New Zealand boy, finds his life irrevocably changed by the arrival of a wounded American soldier, Jackson Coop, an African-American private with a hatred for war, who stays with Rex's family while recuperating.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the vein of Summer of My German Soldier , this World War II novel traces the growing friendship between a young New Zealander and an American private on leave. Twelve-year-old Rex, who has spent a considerable amount of time fantasizing about battlefield heroics, is sorely disappointed to find that the soldier who is to stay in his home for two weeks is "only" a low-ranking black. Private Jackson Coop is not well received by the bigoted adults of Kettle Creek, but his sharp wit, honesty and gentle nature win him the affection of many children in the small community. After an incident at school, in which Jack gets the better of a cruel teacher, even Rex cannot help admiring the reluctant soldier from the Chicago slums. As it grows increasingly complex, this book sheds light onto the darkest sides of war, and the personal tragedies of its sharply defined characters will touch readers from all walks of life. Particularly memorable are Rex's eccentric grandparents; his father, whose dealings with the black market are a source of humor as well as tension; and two children, Dawn and Leo, who are perhaps the most sensitive to Private Coop's deep sadness. Wrought with as much intelligence as heart, this tender story can be savored many times. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-Rex Pascoe looks back on his childhood in New Zealand during World War II, when Jackson Coop, a black American soldier wounded in battle, stays with his family for two weeks as he recuperates. Rex's sister Gloria; his open-minded poet mother; and likable but scheming father welcome Jack with open arms, but it takes time for the then 12-year-old Rex to overcome his racial prejudice. The boy also resents that "his soldier" falls short of his image of a fearless hero, but he eventually joins his family and classmates in helping Jack cope with the racially motivated hostility of two American soldiers and of suspicious New Zealanders. The private finally goes AWOL, setting in motion a fast-paced, tragic climax. The man's fear of the war and his ironic views of his black identity ring true, but he's so kind, generous, and sensitive that he seems saintly compared to the mere mortals who surround him. Strong secondary characters give the story depth, and young readers are exposed to a vivid picture of another place and time. (Some may be offended by the narrator's casual use of the word "Jap," but it's historically accurate.) Readers who overlook the simplistic portrait of Jack as a veritable paragon of virtue will find an involving, action-packed novel filled with well-developed characters.
Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671865617
• ISBN-13: 978-0671865610
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,116,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rex, February 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Champion (Hardcover)

This story begins in the middle of world war ll. Rex is a 6 year old boy that likes his bb gun and has made a picture of hittler and a Japamize jeneral. Rex finds our that they are spondering a wonded soljior from America. Rex is so excited that he made a banner that said that they were glad to have him at their home. When the soljior gets to their house Rex find out he is a black man and that he is afraid of the war and hates all the killing. latter on Rex finds out that it dose not matter if he is black or white but what is on the inside. When the wounded soljior goes back to the war Rex has just started to be friends with him and then he has to go back. Rex never sees the soljior ever agian and never hears from him eather.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is written so younger people can understand it., November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Champion (Hardcover)

I am 12 years old and we had to read an older book and I read the champion and really enjoyed it.I think that if you enjoy a good read you will like this book.It is written really well.