Love, Ruby Lavender

Deborah Wiles captures the essence of what it means to be a child, and all its complications which most writers are too afraid to touch. Ruby, a precocious red head, deals with a summer without her beloved grandmother. This comes on the heels of the death of her grandfather. When Miss Eula goes to Hawaii to visit her new grandbaby and family, Ruby finds herself having to face Miss Mattie - the aunt she isn't very fond of and Melba Jane - the yearly star of the town's operetta. Ruby discovers that she is, after all, capable of making decisions about how to handle conflicts with others and growing new friendships along the way. ( )

The way the story unfolded kept me reading. The close relationship with her grandma Eula was very special. I enjoyed how they used the letter writing as a way to connect the character into the story. I made a lot of connections with this character and I am sure many children do. She goes through a series of experiences like chicken raising and having an enemy whom she learns she is very similar to. I felt the feelings as she most have about having guilt, shame and heartfelt loss. Great!

I loved this book. Ruby's relationship with her grandma is so precious. The conflict and healing that Ruby goes through is moving and relate able. There are great discussion group questions and activities in the back of the book. I'd use this as a read aloud in second grade but for reading groups in 3rd and 4th grade. I need to buy this book asap to add to my library! ( )

I absolutely loved this book! It reminded me of the relationship I have with my own grandma. I really enjoyed reading the letters they wrote back and forth. It would be fun to incorporate this book into a letter writing unit. ( )

I loved this book. It was one that I couldn't put down. I wanted to keep reading it every time I had to stop. It is a story about dealing with changes in life and that life does go on. She and Miss Eula, which is her grandmother write letters to each other throughout the story and it was nice to hear the connection they have and how she seems to always look to her for advice in life. Very cute story. I think kids could really relate to it. Would make a perfect read aloud and could introduce letter writing. ( )