What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruby and the Booker Boys #1
By Derrick D Barnes - Ruby and the Booker Boys #1: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby
Eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn't hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she's finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She's sweet and sassy and every bit as tough as her older siblings. She sings like nobody's business; she has a pet iguana named Lady Love; her favorite color is grape-jelly purple; and when she grows up, she's going to be the most famous woman animal doctor on the planet. She's the fabulous, oh-so-spectacular Ruby Marigold Booker! In Book 1, Ruby is leaving her old school and headed to a new one where nobody knows her--and where her older brothers rule. But that's about to change, because Ruby Booker has BIG plans! Although things don't go according to plan, Ruby manages to grab the spotlight when she sings a song over the P.A. system during announcements. By the time school lets out, one thing is Ruby Booker isn't "the Booker Boys' baby sis" anymore.
Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
19 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Derrick Barnes
28 books248 followersWhere I come from, no one dreams of becoming an author.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 31, 2020
How did you hear of Derrick Barnes? Maybe from his young-adult novels or easy readers, but I doubt it. You probably first heard of his picture books, perhaps Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, which earned a surprise nod as a 2018 Newbery Honor. A decade earlier, though, Derrick Barnes entertained early chapter readers with his Ruby and the Booker Boys series, four books with charm, smooth language, and playful attitude to spare. The morning she's set to start third grade, Ruby Marigold Booker is awake and singing her favorite pop song before anyone in the family is out of bed. This is her debut year at Hope Road Academy, where her older brothers—Marcellus, Roosevelt (Ro), and Tyner (Ty) are already the coolest kids in school. Ruby doesn't doubt her own flow of charisma, but living up to Marcellus's many talents, Ro's reputation as a clever prankster, and Ty's brilliant grade point average will be a tough row to hoe. She says goodbye to her pet iguana named Lady Love, gives Daddy and Ma hugs and kisses, and is out the door with her brothers. Ruby is nervous, but excited.
Miss Fuqua is pretty much the best teacher a girl could want; she allows her kids space to express their individual personalities, and isn't afraid to let lessons be fun. Still, Ruby is relieved when it turns out her best friend, Teresa Petticoat, was only assigned to a different class by mistake. Ruby loves the delicate, homey Southern twang of T's voice, and the two girls are inseparable. Ruby doesn't get along with every classmate—redheaded Manny Flemon treads the wrong side of the obnoxious line, and Marquetta Loopy can be sarcastic and self-centered—but things are looking up so far.
How is Ruby supposed to make her mark in a school ruled by her brothers, though? That first day, Ro pulls a prank the school will talk about for years, Marcellus stars in a musical assembly in front of everyone, and the principal, Miss Cherrybaum, commends Ty over the public address system for his outstanding grades last year. Ruby has a stellar singing voice, but can she escape her brothers' shadow long enough to show it off? She'll have to nab the first chance that floats along...and as luck would have it, that chance pops up the first day. Is Hope Road Academy about to add a fourth member to the roll call of notable Bookers?
I was iffy at first about the stunt Ruby pulls to make a name for herself. It borders on bad behavior, but after more consideration, I don't believe it is. To make a splash in this world, you've got to be bold enough that you sometimes cross the line without intending to, and Ruby exemplifies that at the end of this book. Go big or go home, right? Ruby isn't a rebel like Ro, but her spunky gamble risks getting the boom lowered on her during her first day at Hope Road Academy; if it pays off, though, her school debut won't be forgotten. It's nice as ice to establish your rep when you're surrounded by siblings who've already done the same. Brand-new School, Brave New Ruby is a good start to the series; Ruby has lots of goals for the school year, and Derrick Barnes's melodious prose is guaranteed to be as pleasing to the ear in Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme as in this book. I look forward to Ruby's next challenge.
Miss Fuqua is pretty much the best teacher a girl could want; she allows her kids space to express their individual personalities, and isn't afraid to let lessons be fun. Still, Ruby is relieved when it turns out her best friend, Teresa Petticoat, was only assigned to a different class by mistake. Ruby loves the delicate, homey Southern twang of T's voice, and the two girls are inseparable. Ruby doesn't get along with every classmate—redheaded Manny Flemon treads the wrong side of the obnoxious line, and Marquetta Loopy can be sarcastic and self-centered—but things are looking up so far.
How is Ruby supposed to make her mark in a school ruled by her brothers, though? That first day, Ro pulls a prank the school will talk about for years, Marcellus stars in a musical assembly in front of everyone, and the principal, Miss Cherrybaum, commends Ty over the public address system for his outstanding grades last year. Ruby has a stellar singing voice, but can she escape her brothers' shadow long enough to show it off? She'll have to nab the first chance that floats along...and as luck would have it, that chance pops up the first day. Is Hope Road Academy about to add a fourth member to the roll call of notable Bookers?
I was iffy at first about the stunt Ruby pulls to make a name for herself. It borders on bad behavior, but after more consideration, I don't believe it is. To make a splash in this world, you've got to be bold enough that you sometimes cross the line without intending to, and Ruby exemplifies that at the end of this book. Go big or go home, right? Ruby isn't a rebel like Ro, but her spunky gamble risks getting the boom lowered on her during her first day at Hope Road Academy; if it pays off, though, her school debut won't be forgotten. It's nice as ice to establish your rep when you're surrounded by siblings who've already done the same. Brand-new School, Brave New Ruby is a good start to the series; Ruby has lots of goals for the school year, and Derrick Barnes's melodious prose is guaranteed to be as pleasing to the ear in Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme as in this book. I look forward to Ruby's next challenge.
December 16, 2009
Sweet book about Ruby Booker, a girl starting third grade at a new school. Her three older brothers are the most popular people at the school, and she wants to make a name for herself rather than be known as their little sister. Ruby has a lot of personality and is a likable character. I was able to identify with her a lot in her worries about starting a new school and her desire to be known as her own person. There was also plenty about her that I did not identify with (her eagerness to sing in front of everyone and her general out-going nature, for example). Overall, I enjoyed reading about her and her first day of third grade.
Possible Spoiler Alert:
My only real problem with the book was the ending, which involves Ruby being praised for doing something that she really should not have done. She knows she shouldn't have done it, too, and expects to get in trouble. I am never a fan of characters in books getting praised for disobeying the rules. Sure, sometimes rules have to be broken for practical reasons and whatnot (as in Harry Potter, where he has to break rules to save the world), but not in this case. This was just Ruby wanting to show off. She wasn't trying to do anything really bad (it wasn't a prank or intended to hurt anyone), but it still kind of bothered me.
Possible Spoiler Alert:
My only real problem with the book was the ending, which involves Ruby being praised for doing something that she really should not have done. She knows she shouldn't have done it, too, and expects to get in trouble. I am never a fan of characters in books getting praised for disobeying the rules. Sure, sometimes rules have to be broken for practical reasons and whatnot (as in Harry Potter, where he has to break rules to save the world), but not in this case. This was just Ruby wanting to show off. She wasn't trying to do anything really bad (it wasn't a prank or intended to hurt anyone), but it still kind of bothered me.
April 7, 2009
I thought this was a cute and simple story in the tradition of transitional level books—just enough plot to keep the book interesting, spunky characters, and a variety of everyday events. I liked Ruby’s character because she stood up for what was right and had enough self-confidence to make sure she was noticed for herself, not just as the little sister of the Booker brothers.
I also really liked the positive portrayal of a tight-knit African American family where both parents have an active role in raising the kids, the siblings support each other (for the most part), and all of the characters work hard to do well in school and excel at extra-curricular activities beyond just sports. These characters and this story fight long-held national stereotypes about the African American family unit. The fact that there was also a strong teacher of color who was well liked by the students also makes me happy. I look forward to reading other installments of the booker’s antics.
I think this book would best be utilized in small group instruction or as an independent read.
I also really liked the positive portrayal of a tight-knit African American family where both parents have an active role in raising the kids, the siblings support each other (for the most part), and all of the characters work hard to do well in school and excel at extra-curricular activities beyond just sports. These characters and this story fight long-held national stereotypes about the African American family unit. The fact that there was also a strong teacher of color who was well liked by the students also makes me happy. I look forward to reading other installments of the booker’s antics.
I think this book would best be utilized in small group instruction or as an independent read.
February 3, 2010
I ordered this book for my niece. I thought either I'd read it to her (she's in the first grade) or I'd put it aside for her to read later if I flipped through it and decided it wasn't really a sharing book. (I refuse to read books that I think are too boring. If my niece likes them, great for her, I'll get them for her if she wants, but she can read them HERSELF.)
When she saw it she immediately screamed "IS THAT FOR ME?" and tried to snatch the book. Now, the girl is a reader, no doubt, but this response was a little extreme! Was it the fact that the protagonist is black, like her? I don't know.
I took the book back, said I'd be glad to let her read it AFTER I breezed through it to make sure it was appropriate. ("Oh, if I only hold up three fingers on the first page, I can read it!" "I don't mean your reading level, honey.")
Well, it's not exactly great literature. Ruby and her family are all a little too perfect - most popular kids in school, one skipped a grade - and the ending had me raising my eyebrows a bit - when Ruby takes being selected to read the announcements as a chance to get well-known by singing instead of reading them properly, the principal (formerly portrayed as quite strict) doesn't even tell her to do it right next time, but immediately gushes about how wonderful her singing is.
However, there's nothing offensive in there, and if the book doesn't stand out from other series by being very good, neither does it stand out by being comically bad.
I would give it a solid three stars except that my niece has spent the past day struggling through this book. She's now 42 pages in, and loving it. I *know* it's too hard for her, but she's not letting that stop her. Now, she's a good reader, but she's not that good, and most of the time she gives up if something is too difficult or frustrating. Gives up FAST - she doesn't like feeling like she can't do something. Whatever she's seeing in this book, I want to see more of it. (And it's not like I didn't read my own forgettable fiction at her age. If I don't like it as an adult, well, I'm not the one reading it.)
When she saw it she immediately screamed "IS THAT FOR ME?" and tried to snatch the book. Now, the girl is a reader, no doubt, but this response was a little extreme! Was it the fact that the protagonist is black, like her? I don't know.
I took the book back, said I'd be glad to let her read it AFTER I breezed through it to make sure it was appropriate. ("Oh, if I only hold up three fingers on the first page, I can read it!" "I don't mean your reading level, honey.")
Well, it's not exactly great literature. Ruby and her family are all a little too perfect - most popular kids in school, one skipped a grade - and the ending had me raising my eyebrows a bit - when Ruby takes being selected to read the announcements as a chance to get well-known by singing instead of reading them properly, the principal (formerly portrayed as quite strict) doesn't even tell her to do it right next time, but immediately gushes about how wonderful her singing is.
However, there's nothing offensive in there, and if the book doesn't stand out from other series by being very good, neither does it stand out by being comically bad.
I would give it a solid three stars except that my niece has spent the past day struggling through this book. She's now 42 pages in, and loving it. I *know* it's too hard for her, but she's not letting that stop her. Now, she's a good reader, but she's not that good, and most of the time she gives up if something is too difficult or frustrating. Gives up FAST - she doesn't like feeling like she can't do something. Whatever she's seeing in this book, I want to see more of it. (And it's not like I didn't read my own forgettable fiction at her age. If I don't like it as an adult, well, I'm not the one reading it.)
June 27, 2008
Ruby Booker & the Booker Boys is an energetic story of a third grade girl who is starting at a new school. Her older brothers have previously been attending the school and she sees them as the most popular students there. The boys each have traits which garner them wide acclaim at the school. A talented musician on multiple instruments and an excellent student, a legendary prankster, and a third extraordinarily intelligent and kind brother each play a role in helping Ruby become sufficiently comfortable at school to act on her many talents.
A wholly cohesive story; where Ruby discovers ways to act and identify with skills equal to her peers and brothers. To boot, she achieves her greatest triumph through the use of her prior obstacle.
There are good natured jokes and pranks where school officials are the butt. This could prompt children to identify the voice as extracurricular, aligning with their own developing autonomy. This aspect of the book could be used to the teacher’s advantage. Creating a library and reading opportunities where students can have the chance to identify with an extracurricular environment and avoid an affective filter (Krashen S.).
The main character is exuberant. The story is the script of cheerfulness. Ideals of camaraderie and the benefits of perseverance are prominently displayed. The narrative is well tempered with sadness and challenges to ideals. There is also a mixed race friendship. Spare and delightful illustrations portray an integrated school.
Derrick Barnes has written a triumphant story (with Ruby’s crazy favorite alltime lovinest song lyrics.)
A wholly cohesive story; where Ruby discovers ways to act and identify with skills equal to her peers and brothers. To boot, she achieves her greatest triumph through the use of her prior obstacle.
There are good natured jokes and pranks where school officials are the butt. This could prompt children to identify the voice as extracurricular, aligning with their own developing autonomy. This aspect of the book could be used to the teacher’s advantage. Creating a library and reading opportunities where students can have the chance to identify with an extracurricular environment and avoid an affective filter (Krashen S.).
The main character is exuberant. The story is the script of cheerfulness. Ideals of camaraderie and the benefits of perseverance are prominently displayed. The narrative is well tempered with sadness and challenges to ideals. There is also a mixed race friendship. Spare and delightful illustrations portray an integrated school.
Derrick Barnes has written a triumphant story (with Ruby’s crazy favorite alltime lovinest song lyrics.)
November 5, 2008
A lot of the kids I serve are black and enjoy Junie B., Judy Moody, and Clementine. And while they've never expressed any displeasure that those girls were white, I picked this up hoping that Ruby might be in the same vein as those "rascally" girls, and I'd be able to recommend Ruby to those that enjoyed Junie B. et al.
Turns out she's not quite mischevious as I had hoped, but the book is still worth recommending. In fact, the character of Ruby -- a third grader who is starting a new school -- is quite refreshing. Ruby is actually a girl starting a new school who, despite being somewhat nervous initially, is actually confident and radiates positivity -- a welcome and rare spin on the "new kid, new school" genre.
Ruby worries that she's not going to stand-out because now she's going to school with her popular and heralded brothers. Ruby's gotta think of a way to step out from her brothers' shadows and into her own spotlight.
While Ruby's plight may seem somewhat narcissisitic and the plot seems more driven by introducing characters than creating conflict, the book is still recommendable. Light and fun.
Turns out she's not quite mischevious as I had hoped, but the book is still worth recommending. In fact, the character of Ruby -- a third grader who is starting a new school -- is quite refreshing. Ruby is actually a girl starting a new school who, despite being somewhat nervous initially, is actually confident and radiates positivity -- a welcome and rare spin on the "new kid, new school" genre.
Ruby worries that she's not going to stand-out because now she's going to school with her popular and heralded brothers. Ruby's gotta think of a way to step out from her brothers' shadows and into her own spotlight.
While Ruby's plight may seem somewhat narcissisitic and the plot seems more driven by introducing characters than creating conflict, the book is still recommendable. Light and fun.
January 17, 2009
Is there a family in America as sickeningly sweet as this one?
April 30, 2018
From the first chapter, I thought I was going to like this book, but the main character, Ruby, is pretty annoying and so full of herself! I will give another one in the series a try though.
July 26, 2012
Sweet book about Ruby Booker, a girl starting third grade at a new school. Her three older brothers are the most popular people at the school, and she wants to make a name for herself rather than be known as their little sister. Ruby has a lot of personality and is a likable character. I was able to identify with her a lot in her worries about starting a new school and her desire to be known as her own person. There was also plenty about her that I did not identify with (her eagerness to sing in front of everyone and her general out-going nature, for example). Overall, I enjoyed reading about her and her first day of third grade.
she is so brave and she love her family
My only real problem with the book was the ending, which involves Ruby being praised for doing something that she really should not have done. She knows she shouldn't have done it, too, and expects to get in trouble. I am never a fan of characters in books getting praised for disobeying the rules. Sure, sometimes rules have to be broken for practical reasons and whatnot (as in Harry Potter, where he has to break rules to save the world), but not in this case. This was just Ruby wanting to show off. She wasn't trying to do anything really bad (it wasn't a prank or intended to hurt anyone), but it still kind of bothered me
she is so brave and she love her family
My only real problem with the book was the ending, which involves Ruby being praised for doing something that she really should not have done. She knows she shouldn't have done it, too, and expects to get in trouble. I am never a fan of characters in books getting praised for disobeying the rules. Sure, sometimes rules have to be broken for practical reasons and whatnot (as in Harry Potter, where he has to break rules to save the world), but not in this case. This was just Ruby wanting to show off. She wasn't trying to do anything really bad (it wasn't a prank or intended to hurt anyone), but it still kind of bothered me
January 16, 2009
Here’s the deal: I’m about to start third grade at Hope Road Academy, where my three older brothers rule. Will the Booker boys shine so bright I’ll get lost in the light? Or will their extra-superstar-ness help me fit in?
From Ruby’s Laptop Journal
Ten Things to Know about Ruby Booker
1. She has a pet iguana named Lady Love.
2. Her favorite colors are orange and purple.
3. She wants to be a rock star.
4. Her mother made her a school bag in the shape of a guitar.
5. Her brother Marcellus plays the piano, the saxophone, the flute and the xylophone.
6. Her brother Roosevelt (known as Ro Rowdy) almost gets suspended on the first day of school.
7. Her brother Ty is nine years old and in the sixth grade.
8. Her teacher is known as Miss Fruitcake.
9. She and her best friend, Teresa Petticoat, have a secret handshake.
10. She finds a way to shine on the first day of school.
Other books you might like…
• Trivia Queen, Third Grade Supreme by Derrick Barnes (Ruby and the Booker Boys Series)
• The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street by Sharon Flake
• Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
• Lucy Rose, Here’s the Thing About Me by Katy Kelly
From Ruby’s Laptop Journal
Ten Things to Know about Ruby Booker
1. She has a pet iguana named Lady Love.
2. Her favorite colors are orange and purple.
3. She wants to be a rock star.
4. Her mother made her a school bag in the shape of a guitar.
5. Her brother Marcellus plays the piano, the saxophone, the flute and the xylophone.
6. Her brother Roosevelt (known as Ro Rowdy) almost gets suspended on the first day of school.
7. Her brother Ty is nine years old and in the sixth grade.
8. Her teacher is known as Miss Fruitcake.
9. She and her best friend, Teresa Petticoat, have a secret handshake.
10. She finds a way to shine on the first day of school.
Other books you might like…
• Trivia Queen, Third Grade Supreme by Derrick Barnes (Ruby and the Booker Boys Series)
• The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street by Sharon Flake
• Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
• Lucy Rose, Here’s the Thing About Me by Katy Kelly
February 27, 2016
I'm kind of disturbed by some of the messages that this book is sending...
I love that Ruby is close to her family, but why can she never be happy for her brothers and their successes? She's so eager to stand out (which she practically mentions on every page) that she gets angry when her big brothers shine. I like the message that at any age/gender/etc. you can be a star but I really don't like her lack of excitement for her brothers' celebratory moments. What message is this sending? We should be teaching kids to stick by their siblings and be their biggest fans.
I also do not like that Ruby's star moment comes because she completely disobeys directions and then she is complimented and rewarded for it! What?!? Why would we want to encourage this???
And even the story in general: I feel as though the story feels more like she's a kindergarten student going to school for the first time than a third grader. The way her teacher acts and Ruby's constant need for attention remind me of a much younger student. And I'm still confused about the reason that she's not going to school until third grade... The whole message and concept did not appeal to me at all.
I love that Ruby is close to her family, but why can she never be happy for her brothers and their successes? She's so eager to stand out (which she practically mentions on every page) that she gets angry when her big brothers shine. I like the message that at any age/gender/etc. you can be a star but I really don't like her lack of excitement for her brothers' celebratory moments. What message is this sending? We should be teaching kids to stick by their siblings and be their biggest fans.
I also do not like that Ruby's star moment comes because she completely disobeys directions and then she is complimented and rewarded for it! What?!? Why would we want to encourage this???
And even the story in general: I feel as though the story feels more like she's a kindergarten student going to school for the first time than a third grader. The way her teacher acts and Ruby's constant need for attention remind me of a much younger student. And I'm still confused about the reason that she's not going to school until third grade... The whole message and concept did not appeal to me at all.
September 27, 2010
Man, do I love Ruby. I love Ruby like I love Clementine (as in, Sarah Pennypacker's Clementine). I love Ruby's FAMILY. I love Ruby's fashion sense. And I love that this is a contemporary early-reader chapter book about a little girl of color and that the cover is entirely indicative of that, because it's sometimes shocking how few of those books there are.
Ruby has Personality-with-a-capital-P. She's starting a new school and her biggest concern is not fitting in or whether anyone will like her but whether her three big brothers will overshadow her. Ruby wants to be noticed, she wants to stand out, and she's not trying to be anything--she's just trying to show everyone who she is.
Ruby has Personality-with-a-capital-P. She's starting a new school and her biggest concern is not fitting in or whether anyone will like her but whether her three big brothers will overshadow her. Ruby wants to be noticed, she wants to stand out, and she's not trying to be anything--she's just trying to show everyone who she is.
June 9, 2011
This is the first of a series focusing on the titular younger sister of the three famous older Booker boys. Ruby heads off to her first day at a new school, a school that the Booker boys attend and have already established themselves as the big men on campus. Ruby struggles through her first day chapter after chapter, but eventually finds her voice and her own way to shine. It's a pretty adorable book, and Ruby is a strong and independent African American female role model. She speaks her mind with respect and witty sass, and disproves the stereotypes about young girls all the while. My four year old loved reading it, and so did I.
January 16, 2016
Ruby is very relatable to third graders. It has a simple structure good for early chapter book readers. There is an escalating problem that Ruby must figure out, and a second character that helps her to find resolution. Great book for teaching story mountains, problems and solutions.
Ruby is going to a new school where her brothers are already "famous" for their antics, achievements, and academics. Ruby tries desperately on the first day to make a name for herself; to figure out where she can fit in this school as more than just the Booker boys little sister.
Ruby is going to a new school where her brothers are already "famous" for their antics, achievements, and academics. Ruby tries desperately on the first day to make a name for herself; to figure out where she can fit in this school as more than just the Booker boys little sister.
January 24, 2009
Great read aloud for my 5 year old. She likes the strong female character who is like her: she loves to sing, she has beautiful braids, she has older brothers.
I too like the strong female character. More subtly, I am comfortable with the relationship between the siblings. There is some tension and rivalry, but for the most part they are loving and supportive, accepting of who each other are. I love that the dad is in charge of breakfast and the mom is gentle and supportive.
I too like the strong female character. More subtly, I am comfortable with the relationship between the siblings. There is some tension and rivalry, but for the most part they are loving and supportive, accepting of who each other are. I love that the dad is in charge of breakfast and the mom is gentle and supportive.
May 30, 2010
This is a sweet early chapter book. Ruby is a spunky character who is very determined to make a name for herself amid her brothers' successes. Like any young tween, that need for attention seems to take up a lot of her time and attention. I hope that in some of the other books, her character will develop a bit more beyond that drive for recognition, however, Barnes has given her a joyful attitude that is contagious and a great fit for this age group.
November 29, 2012
This book is the cutest book for kids in 2nd and 3rd grade. Ruby is a new kid at the school facing challenges, but with her brothers around looking out for her she should have no problem with any of that. Though her brothers are the coolest boys/kids at school she has her own talent to find and that she did. She's brave and out going and i'm pretty sure that anyone who reads this book young or old will love it. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
February 22, 2017
Not a bad little story to read with second graders. Important to note the use of African-American main characters. There is still a shortage in children's literature. This book brings in the interesting dynamic of being the youngest and only girl. The only qualm I might have with the story is a slight lack of substance.
April 19, 2010
Ruby is about to begin school with her three older brothers, known as the booker boys. Ruby really wants to stand out as an individual and not be known as "the booker boys' sister" How will she stand out? Read this book to find out.
May 16, 2010
First book in an easy chapter book series about a spunky and talented young African American 3rd grade girl finding her way in a new school where her 3 older brothers have already made a name for themselves. Girls who like Clementine and Junie B will enjoy Ruby as well.
Read
July 10, 2011I think that the book was awesome. When i first saw this book i didn't think that it was this good. I like when she says i"ll add some "Ruby Flavor". This book truly inspired me to not be nervous and it don't matter if people don't like you.
October 16, 2012
Book recommended for my third grader, who liked it a lot and wanted me to read it. Great characters, interesting plot. I can see why he liked it. I especially liked the portrayal of the loving African American family.
September 14, 2010
book talked 4/5 Sept 2010
February 8, 2010
i love this book. it is very humorous
March 24, 2010
No review.
October 7, 2011
This book is so funny when I read it I could not stop and my favorite part is when she was on the bed singing and woke up her family because it reminds me of the time when I did it to my family.
October 6, 2012
good book
June 9, 2013
i felt like the book was promoting self-aggrandizement.
Read
February 17, 2014good and funny book i liked it
January 7, 2014
Great book for 3rd graders and the youngest child of siblings. Ruby finds a way to shine above her brothers and make a name for herself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews