Customer Reviews

Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick

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4 star:		(1)
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GETTING TO KNOW RUBEN PLOTNICK is one of those rare books that has "high concept" ... a term I hear a lot from publishers looking for special books, books that could become best-sellers and/or classics.

Author Roz Rosenbluth chose a subject that's on people's minds more and more in recent years: dementia. She wove a charming story around Ruben Plotnick, a lovable, yet often wacky, boy with an endearing name and a heart of gold. When Ruben meets his new friend's Grandma Rosie, Ruben teaches David a thing or two about compassion ... and much more.

What does Grandma Rosie do to embarrass her grandson? How does Ruben handle it? What does the reader learn from this story? All those questions are answered as the story unfolds and follows its natural course to a sweet ending.

This sensitive and clever story is about friendship and real family values. I totally agree with the National Institute on Aging when they say the story deals with "what dementia looks like from a child's perspective."

The delightful illustrations by Maurice J. Manning bring the story alive, adding to the overall charm. Anyone who loves their aging parents or grandparents should read this book. It's a heart-warming slice of American life in the new millennium.

What a wonderfully moving book. I don't have kids (yet), but I can't wait to so that I can share this terrific story with them. The story is definitely one that school-age kids can relate to, as it so perfectly captures that dreadful "I just want to fit in and not be noticed too much" stage. But it is even more moving for adults, as it so gently and beautifully addresses the feelings triggered by watching a loved one grow old. I can't recommend this enough.

All three of my children and I love this book! It is funny, and touching without being sappy. It has provided a basis for some interesting and important discussion in our family about peers, relatives and growing older. Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick appeals to each of my children (ages 4, 8 and 11 years) at a level they can undestand. This is definately a book to own. Highly recommended!

The "coolest kid" in the class usually is not also kind and perceptive, but that's a side of Ruben Plotnick that the narrator--and the reader--get to know. Seeing beneath the surface is just one of the discoveries made in this humorous and gentle story.

There's one in every class: smart and zany, irrepressible and super-cool. Everyone wants to be Ruben Plotnick's friend. When one day he suddenly asks to come home with quiet David after school, it's both a surprise and an honor.
So what's the problem? It's Grandma Rosie, who lives with David and his family. Grandma Rosie can be super-cool, too. She's awesome at checkers, she makes the best chocolate cookies, and she knows all the words to all the fun songs. But sometimes she forgets David's name, sometimes she knocks the checkerboard over, and sometimes she gets into arguments with Grandpa Nate, who has been dead for five years.
What will Ruben Plotnick think of Grandma Rosie? What if she does something weird while he's there? David secretly hopes Grandma Rosie will be taking a long nap when Ruben comes to visit.
Sure enough, Grandma Rosie looks at Ruben and says, "Nate, let's dance." But Ruben proves that he is indeed super-cool, in a scene that's both touching and delightful.
Sensitive drawings in digital pencil, watercolor, and chalk provide extra personality to the characters in a story that is both lively and lovely.
The generation gap may be awkward at times, but Ruben Plotnick and Grandma Rosie demonstrate the special bond possible between the young and the old. For any child who is at times embarrassed by an aging family member's erratic behavior, Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick shows that although relationships may change, love and understanding can still bring rich rewards.

Told from the perspective of a caring school boy and brought to life by breezy, evocative illustrations, this uplifting story propels us from feelings of adoration and honour, through dread and embarrassment and, finally, to understanding and appreciation. Who says nice guys finish last?

Rebeccasreads highly recommends GETTING TO KNOW RUBEN PLOTNICK as a delightful tale, lovingly illustrated by Maurie J. Manning, about how kids see their families & what makes a friend.

What will happen to David's life when Ruben Plotnick, the coolest kid in class, invites himself over? How will he take to Grandma Rosie who still plays checkers with her husband, who died years ago?

& perhaps even more scary to David is will Ruben Plotnick shame him when he tells the class about his family?