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Aurora County #1
Love, Ruby Lavender
Ruby Lavender and Miss Eula are a pretty good team, for a couple of chicken thieves. What other granddaughter-grandmother duo could successfully drive the getaway car for chickens rescued from a journey to the slaughterhouse, paint a whole house shocking pink, and operate their own personal secret-letter post office?
So, when Miss Eula leaves for Hawaii to visit her new grandbaby, Ruby is sure that she will have a lonely, empty, horrible summer in boring old Halleluia, Mississippi. What happens instead? She makes a new friend, saves the school play, writes plenty of letters to her favorite (and only) grandmother...and finally learns to stop blaming herself for her grandfather's death. Not too bad, for a nine-year-old.
So, when Miss Eula leaves for Hawaii to visit her new grandbaby, Ruby is sure that she will have a lonely, empty, horrible summer in boring old Halleluia, Mississippi. What happens instead? She makes a new friend, saves the school play, writes plenty of letters to her favorite (and only) grandmother...and finally learns to stop blaming herself for her grandfather's death. Not too bad, for a nine-year-old.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
83 people are currently reading
2166 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Wiles
20 books430 followersDeborah Wiles is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including the beloved Love, Ruby Lavender and two National Book Award finalists–Each Little Bird That Sings and Revolution. Her first picture book, Freedom Summer, received the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. She is also an NAACP Book Award finalist, E.B. White Award winner, Golden Kite Award winner, Jane Addams Peace Award Finalist, and recipient of a PEN Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Working Writer Fellowship. Her most recent novel is for young adults, Kent State. Her newest picture book, Simple Thanks, was published in 2024. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. You can visit her on the web at deborahwiles.com, write with her at Storybelly.com, and follow her on social media platforms at @deborahwilesbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
December 18, 2020
I have read this middle grades novel three times now, in an effort to make myself love it. I mean, it's set in Halleluia, Mississippi, with characters named Miss Eula and Miss Mattie. I keep thinking it's going to be the preteen version of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE. It's not; but it's not fair that I have that expectation of it, either.
It's an okay story. Really, it is. Your precious preteens may enjoy it more than mine did. My daughters asked me, politely, to stop with the “third time's the charm” business and call it a day. (Or, at least stop reading it to them).
I can't help it. I'm a sucker for sweet tea and cornbread and I have high hopes, always, about falling in love in the South.
It's an okay story. Really, it is. Your precious preteens may enjoy it more than mine did. My daughters asked me, politely, to stop with the “third time's the charm” business and call it a day. (Or, at least stop reading it to them).
I can't help it. I'm a sucker for sweet tea and cornbread and I have high hopes, always, about falling in love in the South.
June 8, 2020
I loved, loved, loved this book! And it was made even more special because of reading it along with my nine-year old granddaughter! The close relationship between Ruby and Miss Eula, her grandmother, is heartwarming and tender. Ruby is quite unique for her age and her life without Miss Eula, who travels to Hawaii to visit a new grandbaby, is both achingly sad and laugh out loud funny. The supporting cast of small town characters enhances the whole story and we really wish there was a sequel!
January 2, 2011
In the opening scene of this book, Ruby and her grandmother Miss Eula (who, according to the Agricultural Page of the Aurora County News, is “long known for her commitment to animal rights and lost causes,”) rescue a group of chickens headed for slaughter.
And it gets even better from that point on.
Like Each Little Bird That Sings, this takes place in a small Mississippi town, presumably in the 1950s-60s. In the three books I’ve read by Deborah Wiles, there are some great recurring themes regarding friendship. One focuses on warm relationships between young people and older family members in multi-generational homes. In contrast, each of the girls in these books has been deeply wounded by a good friend and is faced with the difficult challenge of forgiveness. It's fascinating to read these books one right after the other to see the parallels.
Like the "Life Notices" in Each Little Bird, the letters between Ruby and her grandmother are absolute gems. They cross in the mail, too, so Miss Eula is often several letters behind in her reactions to events in Ruby’s life. This is a fast and highly entertaining book for older kids that deals with friendship, family, death, guilt, loneliness, the personhood of animals, and small town southern life.
As Ruby would say, Free Advice: You should read this book.
And it gets even better from that point on.
Like Each Little Bird That Sings, this takes place in a small Mississippi town, presumably in the 1950s-60s. In the three books I’ve read by Deborah Wiles, there are some great recurring themes regarding friendship. One focuses on warm relationships between young people and older family members in multi-generational homes. In contrast, each of the girls in these books has been deeply wounded by a good friend and is faced with the difficult challenge of forgiveness. It's fascinating to read these books one right after the other to see the parallels.
Like the "Life Notices" in Each Little Bird, the letters between Ruby and her grandmother are absolute gems. They cross in the mail, too, so Miss Eula is often several letters behind in her reactions to events in Ruby’s life. This is a fast and highly entertaining book for older kids that deals with friendship, family, death, guilt, loneliness, the personhood of animals, and small town southern life.
As Ruby would say, Free Advice: You should read this book.
July 30, 2015
This book in one (made up) word: heartmelting. (That's one joyous moment past heartwarming.)
This was a perfect summer read! The story takes place over the course of one summer, and it's a light little Juv book, so I didn't have to concentrate hard on it.
Nine year old Ruby Lavender is best friends with her grandmother, Miss Eula. They write letters to each other nearly every day, and leave them in a knot in an oak tree. Ruby Lavender spends her days hanging out at her grandmother's store, where her great aunt also works, or with her mom. The book grabbed me right from the start! The opening scene has Ruby Lavender "liberating" some chickens from a nearby egg farm with her grandmother. Suddenly though, Ruby Lavender finds her routine upset: Miss Eula is going to be spending the summer in Hawaii with her son, daughter-in-law, and their brand new baby. As the summer unfolds, the reader hears all about Hallelujah, Mississippi through letters that Ruby Lavender sends to her grandma.
Good garden of peas! Hallelujah, Mississippi could be Mitford, North Carolina! ("Good garden of peas!" is the exclamatory used by Ruby Lavender and her grandmother. I love it, and am considering adopting it myself.) So this is totally unorthodox, but I would definitely say that At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon (an adult fiction) would be a readalike.
As I began listening to this gem, I found many scenarios to laugh along with. As the book unfolded, I discovered a great depth to the story. Slightly sobering, but not too heavy, the underlying plot surrounding Ruby Lavender's relationship to her grandmother, and one of the reasons that Miss Eula is traveling to Hawaii for the summer, is a bit more serious than one would initially assume.
The writing in Love, Ruby Lavender is superb. Mostly epistolary, with a bit of narrative thrown in to fill in the blanks, the reader really gets to know Ruby Lavender. And if you're anything like me, you'll fall head over heels for this spunky redhead.
A note on narration (since I listened to this on CD): the accent seemed just a tad overdone, but the pacing is good, as is the regularity of volume. I see in other reviews that there is artwork in the book, which I missed seeing. So I would maybe recommend this as a print or ebook rather than audio.
This was a perfect summer read! The story takes place over the course of one summer, and it's a light little Juv book, so I didn't have to concentrate hard on it.
Nine year old Ruby Lavender is best friends with her grandmother, Miss Eula. They write letters to each other nearly every day, and leave them in a knot in an oak tree. Ruby Lavender spends her days hanging out at her grandmother's store, where her great aunt also works, or with her mom. The book grabbed me right from the start! The opening scene has Ruby Lavender "liberating" some chickens from a nearby egg farm with her grandmother. Suddenly though, Ruby Lavender finds her routine upset: Miss Eula is going to be spending the summer in Hawaii with her son, daughter-in-law, and their brand new baby. As the summer unfolds, the reader hears all about Hallelujah, Mississippi through letters that Ruby Lavender sends to her grandma.
Good garden of peas! Hallelujah, Mississippi could be Mitford, North Carolina! ("Good garden of peas!" is the exclamatory used by Ruby Lavender and her grandmother. I love it, and am considering adopting it myself.) So this is totally unorthodox, but I would definitely say that At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon (an adult fiction) would be a readalike.
As I began listening to this gem, I found many scenarios to laugh along with. As the book unfolded, I discovered a great depth to the story. Slightly sobering, but not too heavy, the underlying plot surrounding Ruby Lavender's relationship to her grandmother, and one of the reasons that Miss Eula is traveling to Hawaii for the summer, is a bit more serious than one would initially assume.
The writing in Love, Ruby Lavender is superb. Mostly epistolary, with a bit of narrative thrown in to fill in the blanks, the reader really gets to know Ruby Lavender. And if you're anything like me, you'll fall head over heels for this spunky redhead.
A note on narration (since I listened to this on CD): the accent seemed just a tad overdone, but the pacing is good, as is the regularity of volume. I see in other reviews that there is artwork in the book, which I missed seeing. So I would maybe recommend this as a print or ebook rather than audio.
January 11, 2021
4.5 stars--Don't miss this easily-overlooked gem. LOVE, RUBY LAVENDER is a quirky, memorable, and big-hearted junior novel that will charm adult readers as much as it does those in elementary school.
Set in a rural village in what I'm guessing is either the 1950s or early 1960s, this story is a celebration of unique people (and chickens) and second chances. There are laugh-out-loud moments and those that will provoke thought and reflection. It's well-written and paced and will keep readers engaged.
RUBY LAVENDER is also infused with a humane sensibility that never feels forced and won't turn off mainstream audiences. The three hens whom Ruby and her beloved grandmother rescue have vibrant individual personalities and are an essential part of the story. Ruby at one point reveals she doesn't eat meat, and her grandmother also appears to be vegetarian--no small feat in the time and place in which they live.
All in all, this book is a delight and would be an excellent recommendation for a variety of readers who enjoy humorous stories, family stories, strong female leads, animal characters, and novels set in the past.
Set in a rural village in what I'm guessing is either the 1950s or early 1960s, this story is a celebration of unique people (and chickens) and second chances. There are laugh-out-loud moments and those that will provoke thought and reflection. It's well-written and paced and will keep readers engaged.
RUBY LAVENDER is also infused with a humane sensibility that never feels forced and won't turn off mainstream audiences. The three hens whom Ruby and her beloved grandmother rescue have vibrant individual personalities and are an essential part of the story. Ruby at one point reveals she doesn't eat meat, and her grandmother also appears to be vegetarian--no small feat in the time and place in which they live.
All in all, this book is a delight and would be an excellent recommendation for a variety of readers who enjoy humorous stories, family stories, strong female leads, animal characters, and novels set in the past.
August 13, 2024
This was a sweet tearjerker. It was joyful, creative, and charming. It dealt with themes of grief, bullying, friendship, and responsibility. The narrator of the audio was great at voices. Her Southern accents were spot-on, and she was quite entertaining.
Content: strip poker mentioned, replacement expletive phrase, replacement profanity
Content: strip poker mentioned, replacement expletive phrase, replacement profanity
June 28, 2024
Ruby Lavender stands the test of time. But of course she does; stubborn, straightforward Ruby could do nothing less. What I hadn't noticed on my countless previous rereads is the careful telling behind the story, which is, after all, rather simple at its core. Wiles shows emotions masterfully, with great suggestion and restraint, in a way that dignifies and lends credibility to this nine-year-old's perspective. Love, Ruby Lavender is childhood and nostalgia and whimsy and realism and heart and earth, all in one.
December 23, 2018
Love this book it was awesome but it does have some sad parts (Kate, age 8)
December 14, 2020
Ruby has a big heart for her rescued chickens, Bessie, Ivy, and Beemie, but she doesn't have much of a heart for Melba Jane. Ruby's grandpa and Melba Jane's Father were in a car accident, and Melba blames their death on Ruby to cover up her pain. Ruby misses her grandmother while she is in Hawaii, and writes letters to her all the time. Ruby and Melba Jane finally work up the courage after all of their fights to apologize to each other.
September 25, 2017
I absolutely loved this book about Ruby Lavender, her chickens, her quirky grandmother and how Ruby copes with a tragic accident that caused the death of her grandfather.
April 24, 2023
“People are like lemon drops-sweet and sour”
Get wrapped up in the adventures and woes of a spunky red-headed tomboy from Hallelujah, Mississippi.
A story of love and loss, hurt and forgiveness.
I loved Ruby and so will you!
June 16, 2010
I really enjoyed this one! The first couple of chapters were a bit hard to get into, but once I got into the swing of things it was a really easy, fun read--perfect for summer, especially because of the lovely little everyday details, which I really like in a book. Although the underlying theme is a serious one--Ruby dealing with her grandfather's death--the book is, on the whole, humorous. It has a sort of timeless feel to it--I couldn't say for sure what decade it was set in, and I think that is a really neat thing in a book. And, as a letter-writer myself, I quite appreciated how Ruby and her grandmother exchange letters :-) And of course I *loved* the chicken aspect :-) I will definitely be on the look-out for more of the author's books.
Also note that there are Reading Group Discussion Questions in the back and a fun interview with the author.
Also note that there are Reading Group Discussion Questions in the back and a fun interview with the author.
January 25, 2020
Perfection! Deborah Wiles has become one of my top three American children's book authors, the other two being Jennifer L. Holm and Carl Hiaasen.
"Love, Ruby Lavender" is a simple story about love, loss and friendship (and chickens), beautifully told. Featuring a strongwilled young heroine I could identify with very easily (even though I'm three decades older than her), and lots of wonderful side characters to boot. And as I said, chickens, of course.
I'll also give an extra golden star for including an author interview at the end of the book, where the main character (Ruby) interviews Deborah Wiles herself. Genius idea and much more fun than your average interview.
"Love, Ruby Lavender" is a simple story about love, loss and friendship (and chickens), beautifully told. Featuring a strongwilled young heroine I could identify with very easily (even though I'm three decades older than her), and lots of wonderful side characters to boot. And as I said, chickens, of course.
I'll also give an extra golden star for including an author interview at the end of the book, where the main character (Ruby) interviews Deborah Wiles herself. Genius idea and much more fun than your average interview.
June 4, 2018
Mom and I had a fun time reading it. It felt very typical middle school problems. A girl has problems with the popular girl and she deals with it by writing letters to her grandmother, who is away right now helping her aunt and uncle deal with anew baby. ( Her grandmother is her confident.)
The twist however is how honest Ruby is and that she does deal with her problems and the adults do help her and are not these evil villains.
Love Ruby Lavendar is a quick read but one mom and I say is worth it.
The twist however is how honest Ruby is and that she does deal with her problems and the adults do help her and are not these evil villains.
Love Ruby Lavendar is a quick read but one mom and I say is worth it.
February 10, 2021
This was a great read-aloud with my daughter. It is humorous in parts, but also very serious because of a tragic accident that happened before the events in this book. It's a great book about forgiveness, friendship, and family.
March 12, 2022
“Good garden of peas!” What a book. The names of the characters pulled me in from the start. I felt like I was right smack dab in the middle of Halleluia, Mississippi. A terrible accident, a grandmothers spontaneous trip, chickens and chicks, an Operetta are just a few of the events you get to be a part of!
Ruby’s character is the mix up of Ramona and Junie B. Excellent book for a read-aloud! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Ruby’s character is the mix up of Ramona and Junie B. Excellent book for a read-aloud! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
November 14, 2019
I liked this fast paced quirky book.
March 8, 2024
Between 3 and 4 stars. The audio book was FABULOUS!
November 14, 2024
A sweet, quick read! I loved Deborah Wiles books in elementary school so wanted to read again.
May 4, 2018
What a beautiful little novel! How in the world did I miss this? So glad that I was assigned a later companion book to review. Poignant, hilarious, engaging and lovely.
May 7, 2019
This was an incredible book and it was sad but overall a great story!! I’d read it again in a heartbeat!
October 30, 2017
I adored Ruby and the relationship she had with her grandmother. They wrote sweet notes back and forth to each other that made me giggle. I loved the way each signed their letters. Ruby’s grandmother's notes ended with Love, your favorite (only) grandmother, Miss Eula. Ruby signed her letters Love, your favorite (only) grandchild Ruby L.
Readers get to know this small community of unique members in Halleluiah, Mississippi where the sign reads “Population: 400 Good Friendly Folks And a few Old Soreheads” and Ruby is forever saying "Good garden of Peas." what a this and that. LOL!
The dynamic of the town changes when Ruby’s grandmother takes a trip to visit family and her new grandbaby. The correspondence between these two is hysterical. Ruby’s letters kept her grandmother up to speed about the changes in the community. She also handed out “Free advice” in her letters that made me laugh out loud.
Ruby writes her Grandmother in Hawaii, “Dear Too Happy.”… “Free advice: "Mama says pineapple is NOT good for young babies, so don’t give any to that kid. Try hot chili peppers. Or poi.” She signs it Love, your (just trying to be helpful) granddaughter Ruby L. Her advice to the new teacher is funny too, “Free Advice: Folks here are nice but nosy. Keep your front room picked up. Always keep a fresh pitcher of sweet tea in your refrigerator.”
She usually ended with a P.S.'s that made me smile. “Pee Ess: I am not wasting away for real, but you never know.”
I adored Ruby, her grandmother and some of the other quirky people in this town. The characters grabbed my heart and never let go. I loved the authors writing style and how she brilliantly made readers feel like they were a part of this town as they see things through Ruby’s eyes and have compassion on this tender hearted child.
I highly recommend this story to everyone no matter their age. It’s a wonderful adventure and fun escape. It will make you laugh out loud and give your heart a squeeze as you hurt and rejoice with Ruby and her grandmother.
This is also great for book clubs. There is so much to talk about. The author includes discussion questions and things to do to enhance your book club experience. The author also includes an interview with the author by Ruby Lavender. Loved it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked this book out from the library. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
Readers get to know this small community of unique members in Halleluiah, Mississippi where the sign reads “Population: 400 Good Friendly Folks And a few Old Soreheads” and Ruby is forever saying "Good garden of Peas." what a this and that. LOL!
The dynamic of the town changes when Ruby’s grandmother takes a trip to visit family and her new grandbaby. The correspondence between these two is hysterical. Ruby’s letters kept her grandmother up to speed about the changes in the community. She also handed out “Free advice” in her letters that made me laugh out loud.
Ruby writes her Grandmother in Hawaii, “Dear Too Happy.”… “Free advice: "Mama says pineapple is NOT good for young babies, so don’t give any to that kid. Try hot chili peppers. Or poi.” She signs it Love, your (just trying to be helpful) granddaughter Ruby L. Her advice to the new teacher is funny too, “Free Advice: Folks here are nice but nosy. Keep your front room picked up. Always keep a fresh pitcher of sweet tea in your refrigerator.”
She usually ended with a P.S.'s that made me smile. “Pee Ess: I am not wasting away for real, but you never know.”
I adored Ruby, her grandmother and some of the other quirky people in this town. The characters grabbed my heart and never let go. I loved the authors writing style and how she brilliantly made readers feel like they were a part of this town as they see things through Ruby’s eyes and have compassion on this tender hearted child.
I highly recommend this story to everyone no matter their age. It’s a wonderful adventure and fun escape. It will make you laugh out loud and give your heart a squeeze as you hurt and rejoice with Ruby and her grandmother.
This is also great for book clubs. There is so much to talk about. The author includes discussion questions and things to do to enhance your book club experience. The author also includes an interview with the author by Ruby Lavender. Loved it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked this book out from the library. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
April 29, 2009
This review pertains to the audio version of this book:
It is summer time in Hallelujah, Mississippi and Ruby Lavender has a lot to deal with. She is taking care of some recently "liberated" chickens, missing her grandmother Miss Eula, who is on an extended visit to her son in Hawaii, and dealing with a nemesis, Melba Jane, all while trying to come to terms with a recent family tragedy. The heart of this story is the correspondence between Ruby and her grandmother while they spend this summer apart.
I can not praise this audio book highly enough. This wonderful children's book is just made to be read aloud. Judith Ivey gives a memorable performance and brings the book to life in a way that I have rarely experienced. The accents and voice pitch she employs are truly remarkable and convey many different emotions and ages, It has been days since we finished this book and it still sits vividly on my mind.
Don't be mislead by the cover of this book. The colorful watercolor style picture along with the cozy font led me to expect a light and airy kids book that would keep the kids happy for a few hours as we drove around , but have little depth or meaning beyond light entertainment. It is so much more than that. This is a very deep and affecting story which sucks you in from the beginning and really grabs you by the heart.
Half way through the book my kids said with such feeling" I HATE Melba Jane!" I love it when they get emotional about their "reading". I wondered aloud whether they would feel the same about that character by the end of the story and a great conversation ensued and continued when the book ended. Not only was there great character development in the pages of this book there was also some positive growth and empathy occuring in my car. This book will tear at your heart
Take my advice and hear this book. You will not be sorry.
It is summer time in Hallelujah, Mississippi and Ruby Lavender has a lot to deal with. She is taking care of some recently "liberated" chickens, missing her grandmother Miss Eula, who is on an extended visit to her son in Hawaii, and dealing with a nemesis, Melba Jane, all while trying to come to terms with a recent family tragedy. The heart of this story is the correspondence between Ruby and her grandmother while they spend this summer apart.
I can not praise this audio book highly enough. This wonderful children's book is just made to be read aloud. Judith Ivey gives a memorable performance and brings the book to life in a way that I have rarely experienced. The accents and voice pitch she employs are truly remarkable and convey many different emotions and ages, It has been days since we finished this book and it still sits vividly on my mind.
Don't be mislead by the cover of this book. The colorful watercolor style picture along with the cozy font led me to expect a light and airy kids book that would keep the kids happy for a few hours as we drove around , but have little depth or meaning beyond light entertainment. It is so much more than that. This is a very deep and affecting story which sucks you in from the beginning and really grabs you by the heart.
Half way through the book my kids said with such feeling" I HATE Melba Jane!" I love it when they get emotional about their "reading". I wondered aloud whether they would feel the same about that character by the end of the story and a great conversation ensued and continued when the book ended. Not only was there great character development in the pages of this book there was also some positive growth and empathy occuring in my car. This book will tear at your heart
Take my advice and hear this book. You will not be sorry.
July 6, 2010
I always get a little catch in my brain when asked about things for 'girls' or 'boys.' One of our librarians got a letter of complaint from a mother who raged against the idea that any book was gender-specific. But Love, Ruby Lavender is primarily about a girl and her relationships with other girls (even the chickens are hens). So I think that this book satisfies the 'for girls' requirement.
Two girls, Ruby and Melba, are seemingly enemies for life. As the story unfolds, the reader sees that both girls are hurting from a horrific accident the summer before that killed one girl's grandfather and the other's father. The ending is tidy, but the issues of blame and grieving that are addressed are well-handled. Ruby is also dealing with feeling abandoned by her grandmother, Miss Eula, who goes to visit her new grandchild in Hawaii. It's easy to empathize with Ruby, who, while sometimes unreasonable, is working through all her feelings regarding all this change.
This is all about looking at an event from another point of view, and understanding what someone else is feeling. Friendship is also a really big theme, which should appeal to girls in upper elementary to early middle school. Kids interested in quirky characters should also get a kick out of Ruby, who keeps chickens, and Miss Eula, who painted her house bright pink.
Death (both human and animal).
Two girls, Ruby and Melba, are seemingly enemies for life. As the story unfolds, the reader sees that both girls are hurting from a horrific accident the summer before that killed one girl's grandfather and the other's father. The ending is tidy, but the issues of blame and grieving that are addressed are well-handled. Ruby is also dealing with feeling abandoned by her grandmother, Miss Eula, who goes to visit her new grandchild in Hawaii. It's easy to empathize with Ruby, who, while sometimes unreasonable, is working through all her feelings regarding all this change.
This is all about looking at an event from another point of view, and understanding what someone else is feeling. Friendship is also a really big theme, which should appeal to girls in upper elementary to early middle school. Kids interested in quirky characters should also get a kick out of Ruby, who keeps chickens, and Miss Eula, who painted her house bright pink.
Death (both human and animal).
March 26, 2012
Because I loved Each Little Bird That Sings, I wanted to read the this first work by the author. While Each Little Bird That Sings resonated with me more than this tale, still, Love, Ruby Lavender is delightful and poignant and worth the time spent in reading.
Ruby lost her beloved grandfather. Now, a year later, her very special grandmother needs time away from Halleluia, Mississippi. Leaving Ruby heartbroken, through a series of letters the two remain connected.
When Ruby lost a grandfather, her classmate and enemy Melba Jane lost her father in the same car accident. While grief tugs at both, they tear at each other verbally and physically. Wishing her grandmother was there to guide her, Ruby finds a way to reach out through the pain and work toward healing.
Ruby Lavender melts your heart with her endearing, quirky personality.
Recommended.
Ruby lost her beloved grandfather. Now, a year later, her very special grandmother needs time away from Halleluia, Mississippi. Leaving Ruby heartbroken, through a series of letters the two remain connected.
When Ruby lost a grandfather, her classmate and enemy Melba Jane lost her father in the same car accident. While grief tugs at both, they tear at each other verbally and physically. Wishing her grandmother was there to guide her, Ruby finds a way to reach out through the pain and work toward healing.
Ruby Lavender melts your heart with her endearing, quirky personality.
Recommended.
January 24, 2016
Ruby Lavender is such a delightful, did I just write that? Delightful? Ruby is such a lucky young girl whose grandmother is someone that I hope to be, full of fun and nurturing in a healthy positive way. I am not much for books for the younger generation but I do enjoy ones like this that has a mature approach. Which means there is intelligent writing that propels a message or storyline that the child or adult such as myself can learn or grow from. I feel no matter how old a person is, I think we all are perpetually learning until we leave this life. This book also reminded me that if all adults were to remember how magical childhood is, we would help keep that alive in ourselves and subsequently in our children and grandchildren. A delightful book indeed!
December 14, 2015
A light-hearted, simple story that was perfect for what I needed in my listening reading life right now. I loved the narrator. She did such great accents and I felt a part of that small, southern town. (I had my own memories of TX and WV, too!) Sweet and funny. Cute, too. I even almost cried at one part. A good book. Always fun to grab something off the shelf without knowing about it and discovering that it is enjoyable.
February 22, 2013
Lovely story told in prose and in letters about young girl dealing with some very weighty issues. Her grandfather's drowning death has caused her life to change in many ways and the one person she has always clung to is her grandmother. They write letters and leave them in a tree, but when Miss Eula goes on a trip to Hawaii the letters become much more important as Ruby tries to deal with a mean rival and some hatching chicks. There's comedy, tragedy, and growing up in this delightful story.
November 6, 2015
This is a good book and I got swept into caring about the main character. She is a bit young for a main character. I had just come off of reading 'Each Little Bird that Sings' so I think I wanted to keep seeing the world through a bit older eyes. However, by the end, this book was nuanced and thoughtful. I love the way Deborah Wiles writes, thinks, and shares about death. She isn't afraid to put it in her writing and it makes me reflect and think so much!
August 12, 2014
Wiles' second best (Each Little Birds wins that title, hands-down). Great characters, great laughs, great emotion. Wonderful read.
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