Wynne-Jones, Tim. (2007). Rex Zero and the end of the world. New York: Groundwood Books.
Summary:
Set in the backdrop of the Cold War under Kruschev, Rex Norton-Norton, his family and friends, live in constant apprehension of the possibility of war between the two superpowers (the United States and the Soviet Union). In his new house in Ottawa, Rex is desperate to make friends before the start of school. While riding, he briefly sees a monster, and a girl who tries to take its picture. He finds out that the monster is an escaped panther. Can Rex capture the panther, or is nothing what it truly seems?
Advisory Information:
- Themes:
a. The book does an excellent job showing how wars in general affect all populations. Despite their attempts to have a normal childhood, the children are bombarded with war paraphernalia like bomb shelters, and are in fear of a nuclear holocaust. While this fear doesn’t ruin their lives, it definitely is a fear and does in part dictate their perceptions of life. How Canadians still feared the Cold War’s affects.
b. Coming of Age Story: Rex’s experiences in this novel affect his overall feelings towards the war, people and his family.
c. Loss of innocence: This can be illustrated, in terms of war Rex becomes disillusioned with the Diefenbunker and the effects World War II had upon Alphonse.
d. Belief in one’s self despite the opposition (Kevin’s dad, and Kevin over the panther)
-Age Recommendation
I think that this book would appeal to intermediate readers in 3rd through 7th grade.
-Other Information:
This book has won awards including the American Library Association Notable Children's Books, the Boston Book Review Winner, and the Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.
Reaction:
I thought that the book captured the time period well. I remember growing up and having my mom tell me stories about how as a child she and her mother would go shopping for bomb shelters at conventions. I also thought that the characterization was very interesting. Rex Zero seemed to be one of those narrators that think beyond their years, and yet act their age.
Summary:
Set in the backdrop of the Cold War under Kruschev, Rex Norton-Norton, his family and friends, live in constant apprehension of the possibility of war between the two superpowers (the United States and the Soviet Union). In his new house in Ottawa, Rex is desperate to make friends before the start of school. While riding, he briefly sees a monster, and a girl who tries to take its picture. He finds out that the monster is an escaped panther. Can Rex capture the panther, or is nothing what it truly seems?
Advisory Information:
- Themes:
a. The book does an excellent job showing how wars in general affect all populations. Despite their attempts to have a normal childhood, the children are bombarded with war paraphernalia like bomb shelters, and are in fear of a nuclear holocaust. While this fear doesn’t ruin their lives, it definitely is a fear and does in part dictate their perceptions of life. How Canadians still feared the Cold War’s affects.
b. Coming of Age Story: Rex’s experiences in this novel affect his overall feelings towards the war, people and his family.
c. Loss of innocence: This can be illustrated, in terms of war Rex becomes disillusioned with the Diefenbunker and the effects World War II had upon Alphonse.
d. Belief in one’s self despite the opposition (Kevin’s dad, and Kevin over the panther)
-Age Recommendation
I think that this book would appeal to intermediate readers in 3rd through 7th grade.
-Other Information:
This book has won awards including the American Library Association Notable Children's Books, the Boston Book Review Winner, and the Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.
Reaction:
I thought that the book captured the time period well. I remember growing up and having my mom tell me stories about how as a child she and her mother would go shopping for bomb shelters at conventions. I also thought that the characterization was very interesting. Rex Zero seemed to be one of those narrators that think beyond their years, and yet act their age.
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