The Champion

by Maurice Gee

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Young Adult

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1993

About the author

Maurice Gough Gee was a New Zealand novelist. He was one of New Zealand's most distinguished and prolific authors, having written over thirty novels for adults and children, and having won numerous awards both in New Zealand and overseas, including multiple top prizes at the New Zealand Book Awards, the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in the UK, the Katherine Mansfield Menton Fellowship, the Robert Burns Fellowship and a Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement. In 2003 he was recognised as one of New Zealand's greatest living artists across all disciplines by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand, which presented him with an Icon Award.
Gee's novel Plumb (1978) was described by the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature to be one of the best novels ever written in New Zealand. He was also well-known for children's and young adult fiction such as Under the Mountain (1979). He won multiple top prizes at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and in 2002 he was presented with the prestigious Margaret Mahy Award by the Children's Literature Foundation in recognition of his contributions to children's literature.

Reviews

[Megan Clemance]

My neighbor loaned me this book during Covid19 lockdown, saying it is her "go to" for a quick read and a good nz story. It is. Set during WW2 when American soldiers are in nz. Well written from the point of view of a young boy. Prejudices of the time are real.

[Rosa Wison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like how Rex gets closer to Jackson as the book progresses and also how he becomes friends with Dawn who he would not have been friends with if they weren't both trying to help Jackson. I think that this was a great book to read as a class.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel tells the story of a New Zealand boy and his family who agree to take in a wounded American soldier during World War II. The boy dreams of sharing his bedroom with a brilliant pilot. But Jackson Coop isn't a pilot, and he's black.
Jackson brings together three outcast kids--including the narrator of the book--and teaches them many "life lessons" just by being with them and doing ordinary things--working in a garden, playing on the river, talking.
The book is a glimpse into American race relations from an entry point not often taken. As such, it adds valuable perspectives to the ongoing conversation about this fraught and vital subject.

[Johnny Dugdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-told story and an enjoyable and effortless read. It would be a good story for early-teen New Zealanders to read, especially if they have an adult to share it with.

[Hector Flores]

the book was a good book but boring in some parts

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was not to my expectations, and it suprised me quite a lot. But i don't want to spoil so...

Rex is quite an intriguing character, which changes quite rapidlh, but in a confusing manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, but it could do with more main characters.

A good book, do reccommend.

[Kevin Zeng · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that it was pretty good. I disliked Dawn as she was a very mean person and stole Leo's canoe FOR NO APPARENT REASON. Rex is also kind of a mean as he hates everyone for no reason and is incredibly racist, even for the 1900's.

[Aidan Robins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay book, story-line became a bit confusing, but other than that good! The ending was a bit confusing. Enjoyed some parts of it others not so much

Might read again.

SPOILER ALERT!!!



It was a bit sad at the end when Jacks boat sunk

[Sophia Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS!! okay, i haven't finished it yet, because they made me return it in 8th grade. AHHH, im pumped

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Hannah Kells · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, awesome story line. Definitely something I would want to read again.

[Levi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. Not my favourite although not the worst book that I have read.

[Claire Brownlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. I really enjoyed it as I am quite interested in WWII and things that went on around that sort of time. I am glad this book was chosen for our book to read this year.

[Timothy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the ending was a bit weird. I didn't really enjoy the book, because I didn't find it that interesting

[Andi C Buchanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGL420 set text

[Anna "Andi" · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGL420 set text

[Kieranisawesome · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book that is hard to put down, very well written

[PotatoLord]

This was a brilliant book, it shows what people thought towards African-American people back then and contrasts to how it is now. The story-line was great and I really enjoyed the cliffhanger ending.