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End of the Alphabet
Ruby Yarrow is a 14-year-old who lives in a busy, loving, chaotic family with her mum, stepdad, brother and two little stepbrothers. Ruby feels a bit like a doormat - she has to help out while her brother doesn't. He wins lots of prizes at school but she has a learning difficulty and needs a reader/writer to help her in exams. What's more, her surname, Yarrow, is at the end of the alphabet and when the roll gets called out she's always at the end. She hates it. She feels she's always at the end of the line.
Not that Ruby is a misery bag at all. She's bright and vibrant. She has great friends and loves clothes, fashion magazines and sewing, which she has a real knack for. She's very keen to go on the school trip to Brazil and so she gets a job to earn the money for her airfare, working in a supermarket for an old grump. She also learns a bit of Portuguese and meeting exchange students.
This book is about having a dream and aiming for it. Ruby learns to stand up to her parents, gets some backbone and starts to see herself in a much better light. There's even a bit of romance.
Not that Ruby is a misery bag at all. She's bright and vibrant. She has great friends and loves clothes, fashion magazines and sewing, which she has a real knack for. She's very keen to go on the school trip to Brazil and so she gets a job to earn the money for her airfare, working in a supermarket for an old grump. She also learns a bit of Portuguese and meeting exchange students.
This book is about having a dream and aiming for it. Ruby learns to stand up to her parents, gets some backbone and starts to see herself in a much better light. There's even a bit of romance.
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Beale
47 books147 followersFleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, best known for her novel I am not Esther which has been published worldwide.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 21, 2015
Another great surprise in the YA genre!
Ruby Yarrow has always let people push her over, especially at home. She doesn't have a voice, until her friend Tia makes her open her eyes and she starts to grow a backbone. She won't let her brother Max leave her with all the housework and she won't let her mother continue spoiling Max and leaving her aside and doing everyone's chores. She wants to go to Brazil, she wants to get a job, she wants to learn Portuguese, and no one will stop her, even though it's so hard at times, and Ruby can't read or write very well and that makes her feel not perfect, but not anymore! She will go after what she wants :)
I loved Davey (her little brother)and her stepfather, they were charming characters, Ruby also, of course, but I couldn't stand Max or her mom, such a shame there are some many people like them in the world, who belittle others and don't care.
Ruby Yarrow has always let people push her over, especially at home. She doesn't have a voice, until her friend Tia makes her open her eyes and she starts to grow a backbone. She won't let her brother Max leave her with all the housework and she won't let her mother continue spoiling Max and leaving her aside and doing everyone's chores. She wants to go to Brazil, she wants to get a job, she wants to learn Portuguese, and no one will stop her, even though it's so hard at times, and Ruby can't read or write very well and that makes her feel not perfect, but not anymore! She will go after what she wants :)
I loved Davey (her little brother)and her stepfather, they were charming characters, Ruby also, of course, but I couldn't stand Max or her mom, such a shame there are some many people like them in the world, who belittle others and don't care.
May 2, 2013
I decided to read End of the Alphabet after finding it in a book sale, the blurb of the book really intrigued me so I decided to read the book. The book was really exciting and I really enjoyed reading it.
This book falls into the category of a book written by a New Zealander~ Fleur Beale. The book really appealed to me as it was about a young girl the same age as me, and I think it can relate to a lot of young teenage girls these days.
The character that hooked me into the story the most was most definitely the main character~ Ruby Yarrow, because as I said before, I and a lot of other young girls can relate to her and her situation. The book is written in first person by Ruby. The whole story is based around Ruby and about how she feels like a doormat to everyone. She is the perfect child, she never stands up to her parents, she does all the work rather than letting her brother Max help. Max is the one who wins all the prizes at school while she has a learning disability. The title of the book "End of the Alphabet" comes from Ruby being the last name called on the roll, and this is how she starts to feel, she's sick of being last with everything, the end of the line. She is perfectly okay staying this way until her bestfriend Tia gets her thinking, she has an amazing opportunity to go on a school trip to Brazil, but Ruby is dubious about it, she doesn't believe that she could be accepted, but she goes for it. And after her decision is made, her whole life changes and turns upside down. Being in Ruby's point of view the whole time you start to feel what she feels, and see the world as she see's it, she's a young girl trying to change and be someone and that's how a lot of teenagers feel, trapped and wanting to do something with their life. This book really sums up how a lot of the young adolescence feels, and I found it really easy to relate to.
One of my favourite quotes from the book is probably "I tried to believe it for so long that I was tired from trying." It is a sad quote that Ruby thinks about halfway through the novel. It's devastating because the quote is what Ruby is thinking after she has tried and tried to become someone different but ended up being beaten down by people who thought she couldn't do it. It is a good quote, because it is how a lot of us feel sometimes, tired from trying and believing. but by the end of the novel you realize that it always works out one way or another in the end.
I have learnt a lot of things from this book. One of them being that if you're not happy with what you're doing you need to change that. Nobody else is going to do it for you, because life doesn't stop for anybody, and it's too beautiful and crazy to waste.
This book falls into the category of a book written by a New Zealander~ Fleur Beale. The book really appealed to me as it was about a young girl the same age as me, and I think it can relate to a lot of young teenage girls these days.
The character that hooked me into the story the most was most definitely the main character~ Ruby Yarrow, because as I said before, I and a lot of other young girls can relate to her and her situation. The book is written in first person by Ruby. The whole story is based around Ruby and about how she feels like a doormat to everyone. She is the perfect child, she never stands up to her parents, she does all the work rather than letting her brother Max help. Max is the one who wins all the prizes at school while she has a learning disability. The title of the book "End of the Alphabet" comes from Ruby being the last name called on the roll, and this is how she starts to feel, she's sick of being last with everything, the end of the line. She is perfectly okay staying this way until her bestfriend Tia gets her thinking, she has an amazing opportunity to go on a school trip to Brazil, but Ruby is dubious about it, she doesn't believe that she could be accepted, but she goes for it. And after her decision is made, her whole life changes and turns upside down. Being in Ruby's point of view the whole time you start to feel what she feels, and see the world as she see's it, she's a young girl trying to change and be someone and that's how a lot of teenagers feel, trapped and wanting to do something with their life. This book really sums up how a lot of the young adolescence feels, and I found it really easy to relate to.
One of my favourite quotes from the book is probably "I tried to believe it for so long that I was tired from trying." It is a sad quote that Ruby thinks about halfway through the novel. It's devastating because the quote is what Ruby is thinking after she has tried and tried to become someone different but ended up being beaten down by people who thought she couldn't do it. It is a good quote, because it is how a lot of us feel sometimes, tired from trying and believing. but by the end of the novel you realize that it always works out one way or another in the end.
I have learnt a lot of things from this book. One of them being that if you're not happy with what you're doing you need to change that. Nobody else is going to do it for you, because life doesn't stop for anybody, and it's too beautiful and crazy to waste.
March 30, 2016
Reread! I haven't reread this book in YEARS but reading it again today brought back all the fond memories I have of it! Ruby is such a mature character and being 14, her maturity is a pleasant, refreshing surprise. <3 A true NZ classic! Could not recommend it more!
July 15, 2018
The End of the Alphabet, its a nice ,cool story about a girl . That does everything her mother tells her to do. She does it , but she really thinks her brother should help too. And then everything goes from good to bad. Its a must read..
July 13, 2018
A really, really, really great read. Although the cover is unappealing the story is amazing. Highly recommend it.
September 14, 2013
I decided to read this book as i had gotten it for my birthday and it looked really good so i got stuck into it.
This book falls into the category a New Zealand author - Fleur Beale and this was very interesting to me because i was struggling to find a book that i really liked buy an NZ author and then i got this and i didn't even realise it was by an NZ author until i looked it up.
My favourite quote from this novel is "What now? I'm in a hurry " He used his calm voice the one that meant : you can't argue with me". I liked this quote because it shows exactly the type of person that Max is and it really reflects his personality.
Something i learned from this book is that no matter what you should always stick up for what you believe is right. In this novel Ruby (the main character) sticks up for herself when she knows that what her mum is doing is wrong. I believe that sometimes parents are not always right and so you should always do what is right and stand up for the important things that you believe are right.
An interesting character to me was Max. He was interesting to me because he was so annoying and dislikable but also charming. He wraps people around his little fingers so that they will do anything for him. He forces his mum to give him the biggest room in the house and leave the small one for his 3 other siblings. He is really smart and always doing anything to get out of doing chores and homework by bullying his sister into doing it for him. He was really devious and made the book a very interesting read for me.
This book falls into the category a New Zealand author - Fleur Beale and this was very interesting to me because i was struggling to find a book that i really liked buy an NZ author and then i got this and i didn't even realise it was by an NZ author until i looked it up.
My favourite quote from this novel is "What now? I'm in a hurry " He used his calm voice the one that meant : you can't argue with me". I liked this quote because it shows exactly the type of person that Max is and it really reflects his personality.
Something i learned from this book is that no matter what you should always stick up for what you believe is right. In this novel Ruby (the main character) sticks up for herself when she knows that what her mum is doing is wrong. I believe that sometimes parents are not always right and so you should always do what is right and stand up for the important things that you believe are right.
An interesting character to me was Max. He was interesting to me because he was so annoying and dislikable but also charming. He wraps people around his little fingers so that they will do anything for him. He forces his mum to give him the biggest room in the house and leave the small one for his 3 other siblings. He is really smart and always doing anything to get out of doing chores and homework by bullying his sister into doing it for him. He was really devious and made the book a very interesting read for me.
October 19, 2011
Ruby is a complete pushover - she just can't say no to anyone. Then her best friend says she won't speak to her until she starts sticking up for herself (gets some backbone). Once Ruby realises her friend is right, she starts making changes. It's not easy, but she works hard, and it's surprising where she ends up.
This book surprised me, in many ways, but especially because the prejudice Ruby receives for being unable to read is horrible, but she's getting some backbone, and she never gives up once she sees something as possible. Definitely worth the read.
This book surprised me, in many ways, but especially because the prejudice Ruby receives for being unable to read is horrible, but she's getting some backbone, and she never gives up once she sees something as possible. Definitely worth the read.
January 22, 2013
I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first picked it up, but once I started reading it I couldn't stop! Ruby Yarrow is a character that we can all relate to in some way and is very inspirational to anyone who ever had to fight for their rights!
July 13, 2010
I LOVED IT
Read
April 14, 2022End of the Alphabet
Fleur Beale
New Zealand Novel
4.4.2022
A problem the main character (Ruby Yarrow) struggled with, not being able to read or write at all. She is not stupid or useless and she is tired of those including her mum, who say she is "... it's different for you. You have to be realistic about you're future, darling - you haven't got an option." Even with the struggles that come with that, she still got a job to pay her way to Brazil. Even after not being accepted to go on the school trip she continues cleaning at her job for $10 an hour. She starts learning Portuguese from Maria and finds that she can learn more. She isn't blocked by her disability. She still is sometimes hindered by it but she can find the gaps in the fence to squeeze through. As a result she becomes more confident. It is my belief that Ruby demonstrates that what some people find easy, others find hard. What we take for granted, could be gold for another. But everyone has their own struggles. No one finds life easy. We all have our fences, walls or ravines to cross. It's how we approach the problems and find our way over to the other side that counts. She represents not wanting pity, rather someone to believe in her and her capabilities as a human being. She may not get a degree in law, but she may just get the job she loves, spiting those who call her useless and dumb.
Fleur Beale
New Zealand Novel
4.4.2022
A problem the main character (Ruby Yarrow) struggled with, not being able to read or write at all. She is not stupid or useless and she is tired of those including her mum, who say she is "... it's different for you. You have to be realistic about you're future, darling - you haven't got an option." Even with the struggles that come with that, she still got a job to pay her way to Brazil. Even after not being accepted to go on the school trip she continues cleaning at her job for $10 an hour. She starts learning Portuguese from Maria and finds that she can learn more. She isn't blocked by her disability. She still is sometimes hindered by it but she can find the gaps in the fence to squeeze through. As a result she becomes more confident. It is my belief that Ruby demonstrates that what some people find easy, others find hard. What we take for granted, could be gold for another. But everyone has their own struggles. No one finds life easy. We all have our fences, walls or ravines to cross. It's how we approach the problems and find our way over to the other side that counts. She represents not wanting pity, rather someone to believe in her and her capabilities as a human being. She may not get a degree in law, but she may just get the job she loves, spiting those who call her useless and dumb.
March 25, 2021
This was great. I think if I'd read it when I was younger, it would've been a solid five stars and become a lifelong favourite. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it now, though. I was rooting for Ruby the whole way through and loved seeing her development throughout the book.
Also, time for my typical rave about reading books set in NZ. I LOVE reading books set in New Zealand, because the setting becomes so much more real for me. My favourite part was when they were in Wellington, especially around the cable car and the gardens up there. I've been there! Twice in the last two years! I can picture the hills and the cable car and the specific duck pond! I've been in the parliament buildings and sat on the hills! Dang I love reading books set here.
Also, time for my typical rave about reading books set in NZ. I LOVE reading books set in New Zealand, because the setting becomes so much more real for me. My favourite part was when they were in Wellington, especially around the cable car and the gardens up there. I've been there! Twice in the last two years! I can picture the hills and the cable car and the specific duck pond! I've been in the parliament buildings and sat on the hills! Dang I love reading books set here.
October 8, 2019
A sad story about a girl who feels like the world is out to get her alone with everyone in it. I think this
story teaches people to persue their dreams and that there is always hope even in the worst of times.
Her loving step father always sees her point in things over her mothers and his lover.’HOLD ON
PAIN ENDS BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A GOOD OUTCOME EVEN IF THE
INCOME IS BAD’
story teaches people to persue their dreams and that there is always hope even in the worst of times.
Her loving step father always sees her point in things over her mothers and his lover.’HOLD ON
PAIN ENDS BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A GOOD OUTCOME EVEN IF THE
INCOME IS BAD’
June 12, 2017
Read this in one sitting- it's so good, except perhaps the ending which seems a little rushed. Still, a very satisfying read about the complex dynamics within a family. Great main character who we root for all the way through!
November 21, 2024
This is my all-time favourite book! I read it so frequently in high school that the first pay cheque I earned I used to get myself a physical copy of my own. I struggle a lot with anxiety and social interactions, so I read this whenever I need a pick-me-up // stern talking to.
October 10, 2017
I thought this book was amazing and I could not put it down! I think everybody needs to read this book it was so inspiring and really looked into some of the problems within our culture right now.
February 19, 2020
This book is one of my absolute favourites, even in adulthood
March 2, 2020
Just remembered this book which was one of my FAVOURITES growing up - and the author is speaking in class next week (!!!)
December 29, 2023
Super touched by this when I first read it in intermediate - related to it. Have re-read it about three times.
September 3, 2024
I FUCKING HATED THE BOOK RUBY CAN SUCK MY COCK SHES A FAGGOT
March 24, 2017
I loved it
April 28, 2016
This YA work from New Zealand author Fleur Beale tells the story of 14 year old Ruby Yarrow who takes being "the good kid" in her family to such a level that her family tends to take advantage of her helpfulness, treating her more like a doormat who will do all the dirty work for them. Ruby doesn't see what they're doing to her until her best friend gives her some tough love to get her to snap out of it. It's also during this time that Ruby, for the first time in her life, discovers something she wants just for herself. Her New Zealand school is planning a student exchange program with a school in Brazil and Ruby wants to be one of the students chosen to go. Problem is, Ruby struggles with a reading disability that hinders quite a few areas of her life. It's so bad, in fact, that she's nearly illiterate. Still, determined to make this trip happen one way or another, Ruby sets out to get an after-school job, ready to pay her own way if she has to, as well as surprising her family when she reveals she's taking Portuguese lessons.
Once Ruby finds a job and starts earning her own money, that small step begins to give her the confidence in herself she needs to tackle other problem areas in her life. She finds ways to confront her family about the ways she's bullied and taken advantage of; she develops more confidence in school; she even discovers she has a brave enough spirit to tackle any roadblock she comes up against. Ruby even has a few special people come into her life who teach her that she is not her disability, but in fact inform her "you are a clever and confident person."
I found this quick little read to be such an inspiring story for readers of any age, a story that shows that there are ways to make dreams happen no matter the setbacks, if you just have enough belief in yourself and your abilities. It also stresses the importance of finding and holding onto self-respect, and how it's not a weakness to vocalize "I deserve better" from anyone taking advantage of you -- even if that person is blood. This book is geared towards the middle-grade / early YA market, but that's a message that I can see resonating with people of all ages.
I also really enjoyed all of the cultural aspects of New Zealand that are written into the storyline. I will say, works from New Zealand and Australian authors can be tricky to get physical copies of in the US, but if you do happen to come across this one for a good price sometime, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go!
Once Ruby finds a job and starts earning her own money, that small step begins to give her the confidence in herself she needs to tackle other problem areas in her life. She finds ways to confront her family about the ways she's bullied and taken advantage of; she develops more confidence in school; she even discovers she has a brave enough spirit to tackle any roadblock she comes up against. Ruby even has a few special people come into her life who teach her that she is not her disability, but in fact inform her "you are a clever and confident person."
I found this quick little read to be such an inspiring story for readers of any age, a story that shows that there are ways to make dreams happen no matter the setbacks, if you just have enough belief in yourself and your abilities. It also stresses the importance of finding and holding onto self-respect, and how it's not a weakness to vocalize "I deserve better" from anyone taking advantage of you -- even if that person is blood. This book is geared towards the middle-grade / early YA market, but that's a message that I can see resonating with people of all ages.
I also really enjoyed all of the cultural aspects of New Zealand that are written into the storyline. I will say, works from New Zealand and Australian authors can be tricky to get physical copies of in the US, but if you do happen to come across this one for a good price sometime, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go!
August 31, 2013
I decided to read this novel because I know that Fleur Beale is a good author. I have read some other books of hers and thoroughly enjoyed them. Two of my sisters read this book before me and they both thought it was a good story and found the main character likable and believable. I enjoy reading books that have a main character I can relate to so decided to read ‘End of the Alphabet’. My first impression was that the protagonist was a bit shallow and didn’t stand up for herself but by the end of the book her character had changed and I liked her.
The bingo board category that this novel fills in is the ‘A book written by a New Zealander’ slot. I think that it is important to read books written by New Zealanders because we are such a small country that it is almost impossible to sell a book to the world if you are small and unknown. Fleur Beale is from New Zealand and has done very well in her writing career. It is also interesting reading a New Zealand book because I recognise all the places. For example, in the novel the main character goes to Wellington. She describes some well known tourist attractions and I recognised all of them.
My favourite quote from this book is ‘Being good was supposed to make you feel good in return. I felt bad.’ It is such a heartbreaking and devastating quote. You can feel the pain that Ruby feels. This quote comes from the book in the part when Ruby gives up all her savings to pay for her selfish brother. Ruby had saved the money to complete her dream of going to Brazil and it is depressing to know that she has to take it all away. What is also about this quote is that Ruby has not felt good in a long time and she deserves something good.
Something new that I learned from this book is that even though bad things happen, you have got to keep moving forward. Along the course of this book, Ruby encounters many setbacks but still strives for her goals and works hard. You must have a very good work ethic to be able to achieve.
A character that I found interesting was Ruby’s friend Tia. She is such a contrasting character to Ruby. She is bossy and headstrong. Tia is the character that tells Ruby to get a backbone and to stop letting her family walk all over her. Tia is always there, even from the very start of the book and is a strong motif in showing Ruby’s developing character.
The bingo board category that this novel fills in is the ‘A book written by a New Zealander’ slot. I think that it is important to read books written by New Zealanders because we are such a small country that it is almost impossible to sell a book to the world if you are small and unknown. Fleur Beale is from New Zealand and has done very well in her writing career. It is also interesting reading a New Zealand book because I recognise all the places. For example, in the novel the main character goes to Wellington. She describes some well known tourist attractions and I recognised all of them.
My favourite quote from this book is ‘Being good was supposed to make you feel good in return. I felt bad.’ It is such a heartbreaking and devastating quote. You can feel the pain that Ruby feels. This quote comes from the book in the part when Ruby gives up all her savings to pay for her selfish brother. Ruby had saved the money to complete her dream of going to Brazil and it is depressing to know that she has to take it all away. What is also about this quote is that Ruby has not felt good in a long time and she deserves something good.
Something new that I learned from this book is that even though bad things happen, you have got to keep moving forward. Along the course of this book, Ruby encounters many setbacks but still strives for her goals and works hard. You must have a very good work ethic to be able to achieve.
A character that I found interesting was Ruby’s friend Tia. She is such a contrasting character to Ruby. She is bossy and headstrong. Tia is the character that tells Ruby to get a backbone and to stop letting her family walk all over her. Tia is always there, even from the very start of the book and is a strong motif in showing Ruby’s developing character.
June 30, 2024
Reviewed for CMIS Resource Bank, 2010
Novel. Family. Realistic. School. Age 12+.
Ruby Yarrow, the girl least likely to succeed, is a naïve fourteen year old New Zealander struggling to find her place in a blended family. Her younger step-brothers are piled on top of her in the smallest bedroom while her other brother Max (aged about 13) rules the house with his selfish behaviour. She is made to feel ashamed of her learning difficulties, but with her best friend’s intervention she begins to stand up for herself – that’s when the trouble begins.
Through first person narrative readers witness Ruby’s small acts of defiance that challenge Max as he leaves domestic duties to her and disengages himself from family. He’s the smart son, but lazy and surly, while Ruby struggles each day as a cleaner for the shopkeeper Mr Vine to finance a school trip-of-a-lifetime.
Her pay dispute with Mr Vine leads to her threatening union involvement, while her dispute with her mother over privacy leads to a domestic strike. Ruby’s learning difficulties appear to be given scant attention at school, while her mother openly derides her options in life. With a new friendship, Ruby begins to learn Portuguese.
Max is so threatened by Ruby’s personal growth he absconds to Australia, which is where the novel shows its plot holes. Max and Ruby’s estranged father, Hayden, who they haven’t had contact with for nearly thirteen years, pays for Max’s plane ticket and makes a place for him in his new family. Has Max a passport or visa, and why did Hayden not contact Max’s mother to arrange the move? This is an unfortunate example of a deus ex machina for a situation that could have been solved differently.
This is a light read, with stronger texts available to encourage adolescent self-belief. Readers will find other Beale novels and characters more engaging.
Topical Subject Family Relations – Fiction
Topical Subject Adolescents in New Zealand – Fiction
Topical Subject Resilience – Fiction
Phase of Development Early Adolescence
Learning Area English
Outcomes Reading
Outcomes Self Acceptance and Respect of Self
Learning Area Health and Physical Education
Outcomes Attitudes and Values
Novel. Family. Realistic. School. Age 12+.
Ruby Yarrow, the girl least likely to succeed, is a naïve fourteen year old New Zealander struggling to find her place in a blended family. Her younger step-brothers are piled on top of her in the smallest bedroom while her other brother Max (aged about 13) rules the house with his selfish behaviour. She is made to feel ashamed of her learning difficulties, but with her best friend’s intervention she begins to stand up for herself – that’s when the trouble begins.
Through first person narrative readers witness Ruby’s small acts of defiance that challenge Max as he leaves domestic duties to her and disengages himself from family. He’s the smart son, but lazy and surly, while Ruby struggles each day as a cleaner for the shopkeeper Mr Vine to finance a school trip-of-a-lifetime.
Her pay dispute with Mr Vine leads to her threatening union involvement, while her dispute with her mother over privacy leads to a domestic strike. Ruby’s learning difficulties appear to be given scant attention at school, while her mother openly derides her options in life. With a new friendship, Ruby begins to learn Portuguese.
Max is so threatened by Ruby’s personal growth he absconds to Australia, which is where the novel shows its plot holes. Max and Ruby’s estranged father, Hayden, who they haven’t had contact with for nearly thirteen years, pays for Max’s plane ticket and makes a place for him in his new family. Has Max a passport or visa, and why did Hayden not contact Max’s mother to arrange the move? This is an unfortunate example of a deus ex machina for a situation that could have been solved differently.
This is a light read, with stronger texts available to encourage adolescent self-belief. Readers will find other Beale novels and characters more engaging.
Topical Subject Family Relations – Fiction
Topical Subject Adolescents in New Zealand – Fiction
Topical Subject Resilience – Fiction
Phase of Development Early Adolescence
Learning Area English
Outcomes Reading
Outcomes Self Acceptance and Respect of Self
Learning Area Health and Physical Education
Outcomes Attitudes and Values
September 22, 2014
Hurray for Fleur Beale. I'd make this book compulsory reading for all young teenagers. It's good and will make young readers think.
14 year old Ruby Yarrow has an inherited learning disability. She finds it difficult to read and write. She is not stupid, her brain is simply not wired to take in words. She has been thoroughly indoctrinated in the fact that she is dumb and her younger brother is the genius. He is clever but very spoilt. Unlike poor Ruby who is the one who looks after her younger step brothers, cooks and is in fact the family slave for her mother and brother.
Ruby's best friend, Tia, pushes Ruby into standing up for herself. She refuses to speak to Ruby until Ruby gets some backbone and stands up for herself. Her stepfather supports her as much as he is allowed and chaos follows as brother Max and Mum suddenly find that they cannot carry on without Ruby. But more than this, readers watch as Ruby begins to develop some confidence and self-pride. It helps that she finds some good friends but Beale does not gloss over the difficulty of standing up for what is right for oneself, for not being a doormat.
A worthwhile read and a good book for reading out loud.
14 year old Ruby Yarrow has an inherited learning disability. She finds it difficult to read and write. She is not stupid, her brain is simply not wired to take in words. She has been thoroughly indoctrinated in the fact that she is dumb and her younger brother is the genius. He is clever but very spoilt. Unlike poor Ruby who is the one who looks after her younger step brothers, cooks and is in fact the family slave for her mother and brother.
Ruby's best friend, Tia, pushes Ruby into standing up for herself. She refuses to speak to Ruby until Ruby gets some backbone and stands up for herself. Her stepfather supports her as much as he is allowed and chaos follows as brother Max and Mum suddenly find that they cannot carry on without Ruby. But more than this, readers watch as Ruby begins to develop some confidence and self-pride. It helps that she finds some good friends but Beale does not gloss over the difficulty of standing up for what is right for oneself, for not being a doormat.
A worthwhile read and a good book for reading out loud.
April 8, 2017
After finding it in my school library, I thought this would be one of those okay ones, where you read once and never pick up again. I WAS WRONG!
This is a great book with little or no faults. Maybe the only fault would be the ending. the ending just didn't quite cut it for me, it felt like there should be a scene like a year or something in the future at the end. Or maybe even a sequel. It was just great, and i'm sure a lot of teens can relate to Ruby and her story.
As you can see, my rating was 4/5 stars and that is only because there are a few books that are outstanding. sadly this book wasn't one of them.
This is a great book with little or no faults. Maybe the only fault would be the ending. the ending just didn't quite cut it for me, it felt like there should be a scene like a year or something in the future at the end. Or maybe even a sequel. It was just great, and i'm sure a lot of teens can relate to Ruby and her story.
As you can see, my rating was 4/5 stars and that is only because there are a few books that are outstanding. sadly this book wasn't one of them.
June 26, 2016
wow. i read the book all in one sitting. I had to. I loved Ruby. I loved seeing her grow through out the story, and I spent the whole book rooting for her. Her step father was lovely, and her useless father hit a little too close to home. But it was her mother that frustrated me so much I wanted to tear her hair out! So frustrating how she obviously treated Rubys brother Max so much better than Ruby. And she didn't appreciate all the hard work Ruby did for her! I would love to know what happens to her after the book ends, because I could not get enough of the story! Another brilliant YA novel by Fleur Beale.
February 10, 2019
I've read and re-read this book quite a few times, and it's just such a SATISFYING read. A peculiarity of Fleur Beale's writing is that she can get me completely absorbed in characters with whom I have nothing in common - Ruby is very unlike me, but it's so good to go on her journey and watch her grow.
Ruby is in a situation with her family where she is genuinely ill-used - loved, yes, but taken for granted and disadvantaged compared to her book-smart younger brother. Ruby is dyslexic, and is used to being written off as "useless" and without a future. The book starts with her gaining a backbone, and her growing confidence and ability to stand up for herself is a joy to see.
Ruby is in a situation with her family where she is genuinely ill-used - loved, yes, but taken for granted and disadvantaged compared to her book-smart younger brother. Ruby is dyslexic, and is used to being written off as "useless" and without a future. The book starts with her gaining a backbone, and her growing confidence and ability to stand up for herself is a joy to see.
June 10, 2017
This is a truly amazing book written by NZ author Fleur Beale. It captures the life of Ruby, a girl who does everything for her mum - cooking, cleaning, looking after the kids. And all along, her brother Max has done nothing.
One day, where the novel begins, Ruby puts her foot down. She refuses to keep being a doormat for her family. This leads to uproars and Max being his crafty, devious self. Ruby's mum always caves with Max - every time. But it won't happen anymore.
This is a book I'd recommend to ages 12-15.
One day, where the novel begins, Ruby puts her foot down. She refuses to keep being a doormat for her family. This leads to uproars and Max being his crafty, devious self. Ruby's mum always caves with Max - every time. But it won't happen anymore.
This is a book I'd recommend to ages 12-15.
January 26, 2016
It's easy to hate Ruby's family (well, some members more than others), so it's also easy to misunderstand why Ruby is still so nice to them. At the end of the day, we cannot forget that family remains family and even though they treat Ruby so badly, she still wants to feel their love and continue to love them.
Beale's mastery at constructing a relatable and believable story is astounding - her portrayal of a typical, misunderstood teenager is fresh and unique, but very realistic.
Beale's mastery at constructing a relatable and believable story is astounding - her portrayal of a typical, misunderstood teenager is fresh and unique, but very realistic.
August 9, 2011
End of the Alphabet is a quirky, but confronting novel of sibling rivalry. Ruby is beginning to realise she’s the odd one out in her family. Not only because she’s the only one with a learning disability, but also because she’s treated as the maid. When she begins to fight back, and asks her brother to help, she realises just how dependant her family is on her, and tries to gain some respect off them.
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