Book Review: Ruby’s Slippers, by Tricia Rayburn

rubys_slippersRuby’s Slippers by Tricia Rayburn is a realistic-fiction novel depicting a girl named Ruby moving all the way from rural Kansas to Florida because of a grandmother she barely knows.

Ruby Lee, who had never heard of Facebook, seen a video on YouTube, or downloaded a song from iTunes, is suddenly thrust into Coconut Cove where her new school is much nicer compared to her old one back in Kansas. The school is about ten times bigger and has a very nice auditorium.
On the first day of school she does not only manage to embarrass herself with a metal lunchbox, but also manages to make enemies with the most popular girl in school, Ava Grand.

Despite the trouble of being the new kid at school, Ruby also has to prepare for the upcoming talent show, Citrus Star, where participation is mandatory. Not having any friends, Ruby is unable to partner up with anybody. Miss Anita, the school’s performance director, helps Ruby join the dancing group Constellation. Ruby is thankful for her help, but her relief is eradicated when she realizes who is in the group- Ava Grand and three of her friends. Going to her first rehearsal, Ruby begins to have fun against all expectations. I do not want to give away the ending, but it has a surprising twist I did not see coming.

Overall, the book was decent. There were both pros and cons in the book, especially with how Ruby handled different situations. For example, I liked how Ruby supported her Mom when she was looking for a job. Although, I did not like how Ruby was completely clueless in some situations in the story, that she could have easily handled. At the same time, I did not like how sometimes in the book, the author took time to describe simple things. On the other hand, I felt like the ending was good and gratifying. This book is great for kids aged 9-12.

-Anmol K., 7th grade

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