Roby and her mother move to Vermont. She knows this will be a temporary stay, because they all have been since her father unexpectedly passed away and they left Washington DC. Ruby knows if they will go back to DC, her mom will finally find her forever home.

Not only does Ruby not want to be here, but she is going to be forced to participate in a "wax museum" assignment, and her mother has been arrested for attacking someone. Ruby is painfully shy and does not want to speak Infront of an assembly, she is sure she can get out of it because they will be leaving town soon. Her father was killed in the line of duty as a police officer and her was not able to pay the bills and they lost their home. Her mother could have taken a plea deal and said she did push the accuser, but she refuses to admit blame for something she did not do.

Added to the loneliness Ruby feels is the strange lady who lives on the property, but outside her house. The town all thinks the bird lady is crazy and some want to evict her from her property. They make up stories of why she is the way she is. Ruby befriends her, but her mother tries to keep them apart because she has not met her- and has not made any attempt to meet her.

There are many twists and turns. I felt my heart breaking for Ruby, her mother, and the bird lady over and over. By the time I got to the end of the book tears were streaming down my face. There was such a release of sadness, love, and empowerment I could not contain myself.

I was given the opportunity to read this by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book!! The writing is so beautiful and immediately pulled me in. Young readers will like this book, but there’s more to it for older readers to be drawn to it.

Although I think the premise is important, this will not fit well within my library patrons. It's too heavy for them.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Ruby in the Sky

Author: Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: selective mute main character. Syrian side character.

Publication Date: February 5, 2019

Genre: MG Contemporary

Recommended Age: 10+ (parent death, grief, sadness)

Publisher: Farrer, Straus, and Giroux

Pages: 304

Amazon Link

Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Ruby Moon Hayes and her mother move to Vermont, Ruby’s goal is to stay as silent and invisible as a new moon in the frozen sky. She doesn’t want kids at school asking about her missing father or discovering that her mother has been arrested. But keeping to herself isn’t easy when Ahmad Saleem, a Syrian refugee in her class, decides he’s her new best friend. Or when she meets “the Bird Lady,” a recluse named Abigail who lives in a ramshackle shed near Ruby’s house. No one in town understands Abigail — people whisper about her, about her boarded-up house and the terrible secrets she must be hiding.

As Mom’s trial draws near and Abigail faces eviction, Ruby is forced to make a choice: break her silence or risk losing everyone she loves. Ruby’s story is about the walls we hide behind and the magic that can happen when we are brave enough to break free.

Review: For the most part I liked this book. The characters in it were very well developed, I loved how the author included a selective mute main character and a Syrian refugee, and they tackled some real-world issues. The world building was also very well done and it was rich in detail. I also thought that the writing was very age appropriate and big world issues were explained very well for younger readers.

However, I hate that the grieving but unable to cope parents are becoming a trope. It’s a reality and I don’t deny it, but I don’t like the overuse of it in every novel. That’s just a me thing though.

Verdict: It’s a great read!

I love the message of courage in this story! Ruby is a wonderful character and I love how strong of a character she is!

**Thank you for the free copy, Netgalley**
4.5 stars. There were some plot holes that seemed rushed to find answers at the end. However, this book drew me in from the beginning. I dropped all the other books that I was reading and finished this book in a day. I loved the characters. The author definitely made me feel something while reading this book. I felt despair when her mother was accused of a crime. I was also frustrated with the small town and narrow minds that were evident throughout the book.

Science and history come alive for Ruby, as she faces the struggles of a troubled family life. As the story unfolds, Ruby strives to overcome social and academic challenges as her mother faces up to her own troubled past. Ruby strikes up an unlikely friendship with a reclusive neighbor. Ruby’s Wax Museum science project at school becomes a turning point in all their lives.

This is a sweet story of a girl finding courage to speak up.

Ruby only wants a forever home, and then, in the opening pages, her mother gets arrested. And that leads her to meeting the mysterious bird-lady at the bottom of her hill.

There is Ahmad, a refugee that takes Ruby under his wing because he has been there and done that, and the Bird Lady, who does the same, because, well, Ruby doens't talk much and Abigail (aka the bird lady), doesn't want to talk much at first either.

Ruby's mother got arrested to speaking up, and Ruby thinks that is the source of all problems, and so resists having to say much of anything.

Loved Ruby as the narrator. Loved the supporting case. Great story.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Readers of Joan Bauer, Barbara O'Connor and Lisa Graff need to run to their library or bookstore and dive into "Ruby in the Sky!" While the basic plot line of a parent and child searching for a place to call home after experiencing loss is not unique, the characters that support Ruby as she tries to find a new normal and stops trying to disappear behind her hair are definitely not a rehash of any other middle grade sad-happy heart-warmer that I have read. Highly recommended for those in grades 5-8 and if the length is not an obstacle, those in younger grades as well. Librarians and care-givers will appreciate that the realties of immigration, loss, and the criminal justice system described in this novel are appropriate for younger readers, but not so juvenile in delivery that those in junior high will be uninterested. No profanity, sexual content, or violence present.

The timing for reading this title was perfect since it occured during the January 2019 Blood Moon! Main character's mom is trying to come to terms with the death of her husband but her method entails moving from one state to another, which leaves Ruby in a perpetual state of disruption. They finally land in Vermont, where the story is developed. Ruby really doesn't want to be in VT, but the effect of Ahmad, her a persistent new school friend, Abigail Jacobs, a female astronautical scientist, and Mr. andrews, an understanding teacher, all bring her out of her shell. Memorable characters, well paced plot lines, and themes of women's equality and science will give this story wide appeal.

A heartbreaking story about a shy girl named Ruby who moves with her mother to their new home in Vermont. After an incident at her mother's work, prominent figures from the small town band together to falsely accuse the mother in front of the judge, setting off the beginning of the story. The book weaves through Ruby's relationship with her mother, as well as her relationships with her classmates and her recluse neighbor whom the town dubs "the Bird Lady," who has a dark past of her own.

I'm not sure I would have liked this book as a kid. The tone is serious, and the subject matter is heavy. However, educators will find the book a good one for teaching themes of acceptance, rumors, and judging people on appearance. The book ends on a high note full of hope.

I was unable to read the book before it was archived, so I cannot give a complete review. I sincerely wanted to read it.

A REVIEW OF A BOOK FOR TEENS.
Does your teenager like stories with mystery and overcoming hardship? Well then, this is the book for you.

As you read Ruby in the Sky, you will discover you join her in the town she is growing up in. You will stand beside her through the frustrating parts and hold her hand when she is scared. This really is a great book.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU PICK THIS UP FOR YOUR TEEN, OR EVEN AS A FUN READ FOR YOURSELF.
I did notice, about halfway through it, that Ruby in the Sky is written as a modern twist on To Kill a Mockingbird.

STORY ELEMENTS THAT ECHO TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD:
Main Character: Ruby hates school (Scout hates school)
Parent: Widowed Mother (Widower Father)
Crazy Person in Spooky House: Old Woman (Boo Radley), in both books, the parent forbids child to contact them, and the child befriends them anyway.
Court Case: Ruby’s Mom in a case against a boss who hit her (Scout’s Dad in a case to defend Boo), in both stories message is presented through a court case that you should stand up for what is right no matter what.

This terrific story is about 12 year old Ruby. She and her mom have been moving around a lot, looking for the just right place to restart their lives after her dad went out of the picture. They've ended up in New Hampshire, which she and her mom are unprepared for in lots of ways. Ruby ends up making friends with the lady who lives next door, who is also dealing with a loss. This story has a lot of heart and touches on a number of different social issues. I think the kids are going to love Ruby and her excellent problem solving strategies!

Every time Ruby Moon Hayes and her mother Dahlia moved, it was to a new “forever home.” All twelve-year-old Ruby wanted was to return to Washington, DC and for everything to be the way it was before her dad died. Ruby was resentful about their latest move to Vermont, especially after Dahlia was arrested for assaulting her employer. School was torture, and Ruby tried to be as invisible as possible, even though Ahmad, a Syrian refugee, tried his best to befriend her and include her in the school’s Wax Museum project as his partner.

While walking Bob Van Doodle, Ruby discovered an abandoned house, with evidence of someone living in the shed in the front yard. Abigail was determined to keep Ruby away, though they eventually become friends, with Ruby fascinated by the old woman’s skill at calling the birds to her. Some of Ruby’s fellow students had mean things to say about Abigail, but Ruby refuses to believe the rumors.

I enjoyed this charming story about a quietly courageous young girl who finally finds her voice. Strong and realistic characters and an interesting storyline combined and held my interest throughout.

The legend of astronaut Michael Collins lives on in middle grade books. Collins was the one who stayed back in the Apollo command module as fellow astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made the historic first walk on the moon. He first appeared in 2017's historical, I Love You, Michael Collins, set in 1969.
Ruby in the Sky is set in the present. Ruby and her mom have been on the move since leaving their home in Washington D.C., never staying in one spot long enough to get connected to a new community. Ruby's father was left behind. The why isn't revealed until the climatic end. Ruby stays close to him by looking at the moon. It's what they always did when separated. Vermont is their current spot and before they can get settled a policeman is at their doorstep.
Told through Ruby's twelve-year-old perspective, the story is full of heartbreak and engaging characters with their own often hidden pasts. The subplot of Michael Collins comes in as Ruby chooses him to research for an oral report—a frightening event for a girl who likes to stay hidden and silent.
Ruby's tale will grip you to the end. Her friendships with Abigail, the old lady who lives in a shed, and fellow classmate, Ahmad, give her the strength to make her life right. In the end you just might stare at the moon and smile.

This story had one of my favorite Middle Grade elements, a friendship with a person in their senior years and bonus points for that senior citizen not being a family member. We see ruby make her journey of trying to understand the unfairness of the adult world, and how sometimes it's the kids who make things right. The story also highlights how asking for help is not a weakness, especially when standing up for your rights, or dealing with grief. It's a fabulous book about women's rights, family, immigration, friends, bullying, science, and understanding people's personal stories. If this isn't a Newbery contender, it should be.

I loved Ruby In The Sky! I usually prefer humor versus realistic fiction, however Ruby was such a wonderful character. The relationship between Ruby, her mom and cousin was so typical of female family dynamics. I especially loved Ruby's relationship with the "Bird Lady" and Ahmad. What a great book! I can't wait to get it in here at the library! I am book talking it at an elementary school next week! Thanks for sharing!

This book is beautiful. Ruby and her mom move often, looking for joy after her father leaves them. Ruby is tired of moving, tired of being unhappy, and just wants to go back to Washington, DC. When her mom gets arrested for standing up for herself, Ruby realizes they can’t move away until after the trial. Many people step in to help mentor Ruby, from her teacher, to her mother’s attorney, to her new best friend and his uncle. But an eccentric old woman who lives near Ruby gives her a voice and the bravery to face her new reality. You’ll new tissues for this one. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader. It’s breath taking.

RUBY IN THE SKY by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo was a heartwarming story of loss, love, and redemption. I fell in love with Ruby and her new life in Vermont. Initially, I thought I had most of the characters figured out, but Ferruolo altered my view by the end of the book as secrets and hidden pasts were revealed. Lessons about standing up for others and finding your "forever home" were prominent in this novel along with the eclectic cast of characters strong enough to reach out of the pages and grab you.