Fans of Markus Zusak, after reading his recent bestseller “The Book Thief,” are often frustrated in their search for his earlier books. The Australian writer’s early works were, in some cases, out of print and hard to find. Problem solved and worry gone. Scholastic has put together three related novels centering on Cameron Wolfe and his family and packaged them under one roof as “Underdogs.” They are: “The Underdog,” “Fighting Ruben Wolfe,” and “Getting the Girl.”

    The protagonist, Cameron Wolfe, is a winsome* kid, tough but sensitive, with two older brothers he worships (especially Ruben, who is a fighter and playboy) and a sister who tries to help steer him through the shoals* of life. The plots and the writing style are much simpler than “The Book Thief.” Here you will find lots of one-sentence paragraphs, for example, and dialogue filled with colorful Australian expressions. It’s the character that carries the day, however. Zusak’s autobiographical Cameron is charismatic* in his lonesome cheerfulness as the runt* of the family. Plots are secondary to his coming-of-age travails*. He wants to be a writer. Each chapter ends with glimpses into the boy’s notebook -- usually commentary on the narrative unfolding around it.

    The protagonist is the draw here. If you don’t like him, you won’t care for the book. Just do not come here looking for sophistication*. This is a younger, rawer book than “The Book Thief.” This is Zusak the apprentice*, where you can see the glimmers of his future fame.

    (SD-Agencies)