In the summer of 1962 during the Cold War era, and everyone nervous about the threat of nuclear war. Rex, 10 years old, who just moved to Ottawa from Vancouver with his family, discovers new friends and a new understanding of the world. The sightings of a panther are really an old man who resides homeless in a park and makes Rex believe the world will come to an end. Bomb shelters are hiding places and play spaces for the kids. ( )

There is a clear sense of time (1960's - Cold War) and place (Ottowa, Canada.) The story contains some French dialogue which is explained.

Wynne-Jones, Tim. Rex Zero and the End of the World. Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 2007.

Plot: A preadolescent boy, Rex, moves to Ottawa with his family of eight during the summer of 1962. It is the height of the cold war, and Rex and those around him are trying to make sense of the volatile times. During this summer, Rex struggles with creating new friendships, family relationships, and the heaviness of the cold war conflict while uncovering a mystery in a nearby park.

Age: This book is appropriate for children ages 12 and up. Children ages 12-14 are interested in mysteries and adventure, and this book contains high levels of both. Children in this age group also tend to have concerns about friends and families, which is at the core of this book.

Use: Children should be encouraged to break into small
groups to share their reactions/responses to the book with their peers. They may also enjoy researching interesting facts about the cold war and the impact it had on everyday life (i.e. atomic bomb drills).