Welcome to #iLoveMG where I share middle grade books that my fifth graders recommend. (Please note that my fifth graders read a wide variety of books across a wide variety of genres, levels, and topics. Do not think that these books are "only" for fifth graders.) Or check out #3rdfor3rd for recommendations from when I taught third grade.
Katy's review:
Ruby on the Outside
Recommended by several studentsRuby on the Outside is written by Nora Raleigh Baskin. It is realistic fiction. In this book Ruby, the main character, lives with her aunt who she calls Matoo. Her mom is in prison and no one knows except her aunt. It is set during summer for most of the book. If you have read All The Impossible Things, and enjoyed it, you would like Ruby On The Outside.
One of my favorite paragraphs is: I imagine there comes a certain time in a new friendship when the inevitable invitation comes up: Wanna come to my house? Which will mean, sometimes fairly soon after that, you most likely have to reciprocate. This is exactly why I’ve always managed to successfully avoid it until this moment. Of course, that is also why I’ve never had a best friend before.
This was a good book, although it was a little short for me. Although, I love long books. If I had to give a rating I would give it a 7 ½ / 10.
Jack's Review
The book is Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin, and the genre is realistic fiction. Ruby’s mom is in prison. She doesn’t even think about telling anyone, until she meets Margalit. Will they tell each other their secrets, or will they find out more about their family’s history. It is a good book because there is friendship, and it is a good story. I would rate this book 3.5/5 stars.
