Customer Reviews

Ruby and the Booker Boys #1: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I happened upon Ruby M. Booker in the weekly Scholastics order catalog and thought it amazing to find a book about a little African American girl. Little did I know, I had stumbled upon a Masterpiece! My 8 year old daughter fell in love right away and so did I. We laughed and danced the entire time. The best part, hearing my baby say "She's just like me!" As an avid reader, I found it difficult to find books with characters with whom my daughter could identify. Ruby in all her 'fabulousness' put all that to rest. She's funny, spunky and full of life. This is a must read for all little girls. Many thanks to Mr. Barnes.....you really came through with this one.

Ruby Marigold Booker is about to start a new school and not just any new school, she will be attending Hope Road Academy and entering the third grade. Her three older brothers already attend school there as well. Marcellus is in the 7th grade, and Roosevelt and Tyner are in the 6th grade. All three already have reputations that are well-known throughout the school and the community. Ruby finds out just how much of a reputation the first day she steps on school grounds. She is intimidated at first, but with the encouragement of her best friend, Ruby comes up with a plan to make her own Booker tradition and move from under her older brothers' shadows. When she is done, everybody will know who Ruby Booker is.

RUBY AND THE BOOKER BOYS: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby by Derrick Barnes is a delightfully, enchanting read about a little girl establishing her own identity in a new school. The pace is very good and the story flows well. The colorful characters are well-developed and exhibit slices of humor throughout. The illustrations by Vanessa Brantley Newton were wonderful visuals that added to this creative delivery. Youths will be pleased with this tale about the first day of school jitters. It is told in such a way, that I'm sure many will be able to identify with Ruby and learn something from her; especially, if they feel they are living in the limelight of older siblings. Derrick Barnes has a winner in this first book of the Ruby and the Booker Boys series.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Anyone looking for a great book series for young readers. Ruby and the Book Boys is it! I found this 4-book series about a little African-American girl who's going to third grade with three big brothers who are already big time at her school. My five year old son loves these books because they really talk about the sibling interaction and family dynamic. Derrick Barnes the author did a really great job the illustrations are very powerful as well. Invest in these books for your new readers, I enjoyed reading these books as much as my son.

Melinda Emerson
Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business that Works

Brand New School, Brave New Ruby (Ruby And The Booker Boys) by Derrick Barnes I found this little goody on Sunday while helping a customer. I am always exicted to find a new early chapter series, and its featuring a black girl. What! Thats double sweetness. Ruby Booker is going to the third grade and a new school. I like Ruby from the start, first day jitters won't stop Ruby from being herself. Ruby's first day of school outfit is a purple and orange ensemble including mismatched sneakers. Ruby's schoolbag is in the shaped of a guitar. Its easy enough to go with the trend but Ruby's fearless, and does her own thing.

As I looked in the mirror for the last time, I whispered to myself,, "Ruby Marigold Booker, you are fabulous! And that's the truth.

Ruby has three older brothers Roosevelt, Tyner and Marcellus aka the Booker boys. The Booker boys are very popular at Hope Road Academy, Ruby's new school. Ruby's worried she won't make a name for herself at Hope Road Academy. She doesn't want to be seen as the Booker Boys little sister but rather Ruby the singer. Throughout the day Ruby is determined to shine, but each time its about to happen the PA system comes, and its always about one of Ruby's brothers. I enjoyed the PA interruptions, it was fun trying to guess what the announcement would be. In the end Ruby finds a way to stand out.
This is a great book for younger siblings. They will relate to Ruby's desire to make a name for herself and get out of older brother's shadows. Plus its not a hand me down book, thats double sweetness. Ruby is going to be a fun girl to follow. I love that Barnes doesn't neglect Ruby's family. His writing is fun and enjoyable.

I, too, purchased this book from the Scholastic Club because my granddaughter (age 6) asked for it. She wanted it because the little girl on the cover looked like her. She read it to me, a few chapters each night. It was an easy, fun read. We both enjoyed the story of a little girl who has to start a new school where her three older brothers already have a lock on the popularity poll. It was a sweet, funny story with the perfect 'feel good' ending kids want. Having become aware of series, she asked me if there were any more. Needless to say, we got online and ordered several more!!

This book is a page turner starting from page 1. I am a 5th grade teacher and could not put the book down!! Anyone would get wrapped up in the character of Ruby. She is real, she is funny, she is smart, she is what every girl inspires to be and what every women hopes to grow up to be. A brave and smart person. This is a sure winner for any teacher to get readers to read!!!

This should be on every kids back to school list!

Ms. Stacker
5th Grade Teacher

Right at the time our daughter transferred to a new school, I purchased this book for her. What a HUGE help to her in making the transition! Perfect Timing!

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This one is a pearl. Kind of expected it. The art is just too sweet for words. From Ruby's ownership of style to her innocuous smile, this little girl has a go-getter spirit that can take a collection a long ways.

Kudos to Mr. Barnes for creating a winner like Ruby whose message is empowering without being overbearing. I really enjoyed following her enthusiasm from one of confidence, to concern, turned to bravery and ending with an extra dose of determination that will have followers of all ages seeking more.

Way to go Ruby!

I bought this for my 9 year old son who has suddenly become an avid reader. He read this book in about 3 days. I was pleasantly suprised. My review actually comes from him. He said he enjoyed the book & can't wait for the new one to come out in January.

I have been encouraging my 9 year old to start reading more books for enjoyment. I took her to Books A Million so that she could find some books that she would enjoy reading. To my surprise, she came across Ruby and the Booker Boys. She actually read the first chapter of the book in the bookstore. She enjoyed the book so much that she asked to go back and see if there were a series of Ruby and the Booker Boys books. I must say that she has really found a thrill in reading again! She is looking forward to the upcoming books that I have just pre-ordered. I am very glad that the author, Mr. Barnes, has put the joy back in reading for my daughter. We wish him much success and we look forward to more Ruby and the Booker Boys books.

L. Giles
Florida