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True Sisters
Ruby has had a lot of foster siblings over the years, but none of them have been anything like Clara. After growing up in almost complete isolation, Clara is distraught at being separated from her mother and overwhelmed by life in a world she doesn’t understand. But the more Ruby tries to help Clara fit in, the more she realises she has to face up to some struggles of her own.
125 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 31, 2019
This was a real sweet story, short yet satisfying.
Ruby’s mother has taken in countless foster children over the years, but none of them have been quite like Clara. Secluded from the world for most of her life- Clara is hesitant to discover what a normal everyday routine is like. This story represents that people can be family without an ounce of shared blood between them.
It was heartwarming to see; a story that focuses on family and friend relations. I personally have never read a book surrounding a foster family/child, and this was a fairly new subject to me.
All of the characters were likeable; Ruby and Clara with such unique personalities. Their slow building relationship was nice to follow, especially as Clara started to realize just how much of life she was missing out on. Ruby made sure to introduce her to everything she was missing out on.
This was a surprisingly good book, the story was fast and easy to get through.
Ruby’s mother has taken in countless foster children over the years, but none of them have been quite like Clara. Secluded from the world for most of her life- Clara is hesitant to discover what a normal everyday routine is like. This story represents that people can be family without an ounce of shared blood between them.
It was heartwarming to see; a story that focuses on family and friend relations. I personally have never read a book surrounding a foster family/child, and this was a fairly new subject to me.
All of the characters were likeable; Ruby and Clara with such unique personalities. Their slow building relationship was nice to follow, especially as Clara started to realize just how much of life she was missing out on. Ruby made sure to introduce her to everything she was missing out on.
This was a surprisingly good book, the story was fast and easy to get through.
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October 19, 2022This was less of a book and more of a far left woke checklist.
The plot was ignored in order to over stuff it with as much "Current Thing" box checking as possible.
The plot was ignored in order to over stuff it with as much "Current Thing" box checking as possible.
January 24, 2020
This is a short and sweet contemporary that is perfect for young teens. The story follows Ruby and Clara, who are thrown together as temporary sisters when Clara is fostered by Ruby's mum. Ruby has had many foster siblings before, but finds Clara particularly difficult to get on with and relate to. Clara is very strange. She refuses to eat, she watches the TV with apt fascination at the magic moving pictures and she gets very angry when anyone mentions her sister, Anna.
This emotional story deftly handles the topics of fostering, family and abuse, while sensitively interweaving messages about friendship, homosexuality and asylum seeking. The themes of the book require a little maturity to appreciate, but the story is written simply and in a way that is accessible to young teens.
I really enjoyed this book and it only took an hour to read. I would highly recommend this to teens and adults, and I think it would be a brilliant one for schools to use in English or Personal Development education.
This emotional story deftly handles the topics of fostering, family and abuse, while sensitively interweaving messages about friendship, homosexuality and asylum seeking. The themes of the book require a little maturity to appreciate, but the story is written simply and in a way that is accessible to young teens.
I really enjoyed this book and it only took an hour to read. I would highly recommend this to teens and adults, and I think it would be a brilliant one for schools to use in English or Personal Development education.
December 24, 2025
what a sweet short story (not for my age group) about foster care learning things about yourself and a decent amount of feminism. nice way to spend an hour !
August 30, 2018
Brilliantly written, sweet and important story.
September 30, 2022
Short, but very good book.
It introduces and covers some important topics in such a way that isn’t overwhelming, but let’s us see more.
I like the way it flicks between Ruby and Clara’s stories and we really got a sense for the two different personalities and perspectives on the world.
I kind of wish there was a sequel.
I’m not a fast reader, but I read this in one evening. A very fluent and easy to read book.
It introduces and covers some important topics in such a way that isn’t overwhelming, but let’s us see more.
I like the way it flicks between Ruby and Clara’s stories and we really got a sense for the two different personalities and perspectives on the world.
I kind of wish there was a sequel.
I’m not a fast reader, but I read this in one evening. A very fluent and easy to read book.
February 1, 2019
Great ‘everyday life’ story for upper MG and above. Main character Ruby is used to her mum fostering kids but latest arrival Clara is a bit unusual to say the least. Clara has been kept away from the world by her paranoid mum and has no idea what many things we take for granted are - e.g. cars and TVs. In trying to help Clara settle in Ruby discovers things about herself and gains confidence to show the world the real her inside. Themes of families, diversity and friendship, an absorbing read for young people who like their fiction to come with a dose of realism.
June 26, 2021
A short but OK read. I found this book to be quite interesting but there were too many faults. 1. The author tried to put in every social issue in the world into this book (LGBT, feminism, BLM, bullying, and anything else). 2. This book was way too dramatic at times. But overall, 3 stars.
May 15, 2022
Boring School book.
October 16, 2024
really enjoyed this story, it gripped me instantly and made me so invested into Clara’s world and then into Ruby’s world. The two protagonist were such different characters but they matched each other so well. They were able to help each other out in ways neither were aware of.
I loved how Ruby was actually gentle with her, she found Clara so strange and didn’t really understand her but when she talked with her, got through to her they connected, they became family and she gave Clara a safe space.
Clara was so pre precious from the start with the enclosed life she had lead, living with her mum with nothing, she had a vivid imagination that everything was magic. I really loved that as she eventually went to school she was so invested into learning all about the stars, about space, about math. I loved how she grew so much throughout.
Ruby had so much to do to grow within this book also, she didn’t realise how much of herself she didn’t know or hadn’t really embraced at all. But when her reality was shown back to her (not in a nice way though) she saw herself differently and was finally able to figure herself out, being her true self.
I really enjoyed this book, it was really heartfelt and I loved seeing these girls connect, grow and see the world differently, becoming true sisters. I do wish that we had more Clara chapters honestly, she didn’t get enough, I would have liked more of what was going on in her mind through the story. But as a whole I really enjoyed reading it and really enjoyed reading the story of these two girls.
I loved how Ruby was actually gentle with her, she found Clara so strange and didn’t really understand her but when she talked with her, got through to her they connected, they became family and she gave Clara a safe space.
Clara was so pre precious from the start with the enclosed life she had lead, living with her mum with nothing, she had a vivid imagination that everything was magic. I really loved that as she eventually went to school she was so invested into learning all about the stars, about space, about math. I loved how she grew so much throughout.
Ruby had so much to do to grow within this book also, she didn’t realise how much of herself she didn’t know or hadn’t really embraced at all. But when her reality was shown back to her (not in a nice way though) she saw herself differently and was finally able to figure herself out, being her true self.
I really enjoyed this book, it was really heartfelt and I loved seeing these girls connect, grow and see the world differently, becoming true sisters. I do wish that we had more Clara chapters honestly, she didn’t get enough, I would have liked more of what was going on in her mind through the story. But as a whole I really enjoyed reading it and really enjoyed reading the story of these two girls.
September 30, 2018
The book begins with Clara being taken away from her home, from her mother, from the only life she's known and straight away you can feel the emotions, the utter fear.
And that's what I enjoyed most about this story, the emotions. Keren has a way of writing that really makes you connect to the characters and as was mentioned, each one has their own back story, no detail is missed. It's a really well rounded tale.
When we meet Ruby, it's clear that she knows diversity. Her parents are divorced, her dad has a new partner who has a son of her own and they also have a child together which means Ruby has a step brother and a half sister. And then there's her mum who kindly fosters children from differing backgrounds.
What True Sisters manages to do is make us stop and think, to teach an abundance of lessons.
First and foremost, don't judge a book by it's cover. We can never really know what someone is thinking and feeling or what they may have been through. And this is lesson both children and adults need to remember at times.
Life can change in an instant and this story shows us to accept and to adapt to any situation.
True Sisters is a very powerful drama that shows us that family might not be always be the one you are born into, it is something that can change, expand and grow at any given moment. We've just got to prepared to keep an open mind to what's around us.
A must read.
And that's what I enjoyed most about this story, the emotions. Keren has a way of writing that really makes you connect to the characters and as was mentioned, each one has their own back story, no detail is missed. It's a really well rounded tale.
When we meet Ruby, it's clear that she knows diversity. Her parents are divorced, her dad has a new partner who has a son of her own and they also have a child together which means Ruby has a step brother and a half sister. And then there's her mum who kindly fosters children from differing backgrounds.
What True Sisters manages to do is make us stop and think, to teach an abundance of lessons.
First and foremost, don't judge a book by it's cover. We can never really know what someone is thinking and feeling or what they may have been through. And this is lesson both children and adults need to remember at times.
Life can change in an instant and this story shows us to accept and to adapt to any situation.
True Sisters is a very powerful drama that shows us that family might not be always be the one you are born into, it is something that can change, expand and grow at any given moment. We've just got to prepared to keep an open mind to what's around us.
A must read.
March 26, 2019
In this book Clara comes to Ruby and her mum who fosters children to take them in to a safe home after suffering abuse.
Clara has an older sister Anna she feels betrayed her by sending police to take her mum away and put her in hospital after she cut them off from the world.
In this book there are lots of LGBT issues raised from family making, bullying and coming out. The family are made up of ethnic people not just white people and shows an appreciation of different cultures like most families these days. The story was realistic and sad to realise it could be someone out there's true life story, however as we see Clara develop as a character through the book she comes into her own and shows how kindness can go a long way.
Clara has an older sister Anna she feels betrayed her by sending police to take her mum away and put her in hospital after she cut them off from the world.
In this book there are lots of LGBT issues raised from family making, bullying and coming out. The family are made up of ethnic people not just white people and shows an appreciation of different cultures like most families these days. The story was realistic and sad to realise it could be someone out there's true life story, however as we see Clara develop as a character through the book she comes into her own and shows how kindness can go a long way.
July 25, 2022
This is the best book I’ve read for a long time. It’s for YA and written in such a unique way for struggling/dyslexic readers. I’m an adult, and a teacher but I was completely hooked. What I especially love about this story is it is perfect for teens to read alone, or also an amazing story to use in class.
Despite being aimed at YA, it still addresses a lot of “adult” content. Often books aimed at struggling readers can feel quite babyish or too fictional, whereas this book does not feel like it at all. So many themes are touched on, and there is scope for much discussion, research and projects to come from this. I was/still am obsessed with it.
Please read this, and buy it for others to read.
Despite being aimed at YA, it still addresses a lot of “adult” content. Often books aimed at struggling readers can feel quite babyish or too fictional, whereas this book does not feel like it at all. So many themes are touched on, and there is scope for much discussion, research and projects to come from this. I was/still am obsessed with it.
Please read this, and buy it for others to read.
June 17, 2025
This was a good book however I feel like the plot was kind of lost, there wasn't many bonding moments between Clara or Ruby, it's like they were in their own groups. Ruby problems were addressed but they weren't really explained how they were fixed it just suddenly became all better. I feel like overall it was rushed and I wish there was more on Clara and her experience in a new family, and also an explanation on her backstory, why her mum was the way she is and why she overprotective with Clara. There should also be more interactions with Anna and Clara, let their relationship slowly become better as it seems out of nowhere that Clara understands how Anna felt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2020
You cannot assume, judge or determine someone by what you know, because 'my, oh my' does this book teach - most of the time you do not even know half of the story...
LOVE & PATIENCE, things will heal
LOVE & PATIENCE, things will heal
March 17, 2024
A story go understanding and hardship, learning about other peoples lives and how they think. I truly loved this story.
“‘And I am a Woman of Colour.’A Woman of Freckles more like.’”
“Memories don’t always go away just because you want them to.”
“‘And I am a Woman of Colour.’A Woman of Freckles more like.’”
“Memories don’t always go away just because you want them to.”
October 8, 2018
It was a wonderful story.
January 11, 2020
Sweet, easy to read and with an important message.
March 14, 2020
Was a really fast read but I found it boring and all over the place with made it had to follow
January 7, 2021
This book was amazing I read it in one go
June 22, 2022
Loved this book! 4.5 ⭐️
August 30, 2022
Great story but I guess It wasn't really written the way I like to read
September 24, 2022
I picked it up because the main girl's name is Clara. I'm glad i picked it up tho. Great book, check tw's
March 17, 2023
Really good book, well written and to the point. Nice short story for YA
August 6, 2025
An easy read. Nice and simple little story. Enjoyed it.
December 29, 2019
Very sweet story with a happy ending for all involved. It discussed abuse, mental illness, foster care & LGBT+ all within 125 pages!
Read my full review: https://taylaloubooks.blogspot.com/20...
Read my full review: https://taylaloubooks.blogspot.com/20...
January 31, 2024
Ruby și mama ei, găzduiesc copii orfani pentru a le oferii un viitor mai bun. Niciodată nu s-a atașat atât de mult de ei, însă Clara este diferit.
Acesta ascundă o poveste dureroasă care o face să se poarte ciudat și ofensiv.
După ceva timp însă, totul se schimbă și cele două devin prietene.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 5, 2020
True Sisters was a book that I was highly anticipated when I was offered a review as I love the easy nature of reading their books as they are perfect for people with dyslexia. I think that Keren David does a great job with this story and it was so a well-crafted story that is told in such a great way. It is a must read.
Honestly, when I requested the book I was first attracted to Keren David's name as I really enjoyed her book This Is Not A Love Story so really wanted to more from her and this was a great chance. I didn't really know what the plot was but I was pleasantly surprised by the relationship between Ruby and Clara and how this book deals with care. This was definitely a highlight of the book and made it a good thing as many books don't focus on this.
The relationship between Ruby and Clara was also well written and I like how evenly paced the relationship was as it developed through the course of the book. I also liked how Ruby was written as the fact that she was gay was just part of a story and it was just really great how it was handled. The book also deals with sensitive subjects and I really enjoyed the whole story.
I also really enjoyed how quickly the story went and how easy it was to read. I read it so quickly and devoured the story as I read most of it in one night. It is just a really good story and I highly recommend people to read it.
The Verdict:
True Sisters is a short book that packs a big punch for such a small book. It is definitely worth the read!
Honestly, when I requested the book I was first attracted to Keren David's name as I really enjoyed her book This Is Not A Love Story so really wanted to more from her and this was a great chance. I didn't really know what the plot was but I was pleasantly surprised by the relationship between Ruby and Clara and how this book deals with care. This was definitely a highlight of the book and made it a good thing as many books don't focus on this.
The relationship between Ruby and Clara was also well written and I like how evenly paced the relationship was as it developed through the course of the book. I also liked how Ruby was written as the fact that she was gay was just part of a story and it was just really great how it was handled. The book also deals with sensitive subjects and I really enjoyed the whole story.
I also really enjoyed how quickly the story went and how easy it was to read. I read it so quickly and devoured the story as I read most of it in one night. It is just a really good story and I highly recommend people to read it.
The Verdict:
True Sisters is a short book that packs a big punch for such a small book. It is definitely worth the read!
November 10, 2018
another cracking story from Keren David. She really nails it when it comes to writing relationships and this is what this book does really well. I really enjoyed seeing the way in which the relationship between Ruby and Clara developed over the course of the book.
What is even more impressive is how this book manages to do this as well as having a lot of say about not judging people in a more compact format being a shorter novel for Barrington Stoke.
What is even more impressive is how this book manages to do this as well as having a lot of say about not judging people in a more compact format being a shorter novel for Barrington Stoke.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews