Module 7 Book 1 - Realistic Fiction (Young Adult) / Middle School - Ruby Holler

Ruby Holler

written by Sharon Creech



Bibliography

Creech, S. (2002). Ruby Holler. New York: Scholastic.
ISBN-10: 0-439-45808-0

Brief Summary

Ruby Holler is a heartwarming story of two siblings Florida and Dallas who are in foster care. They’ve been bounced from foster family back to the orphanage back to foster family and back to the orphanage again and again. Needless to say, the instability takes a toll on the two children. Florida copes through her aggressive behavior and cynicism. Dallas copes via his vivid imagination and his positivity. Once again, the children are invited to another foster home. They spend some time with Tiller and Sairy Morey, an older couple who live in Ruby Holler, way up in the hills. At first, Florida and Dallas are bored out in the country. However, they find that Ruby Holler has a magic of its own. In addition, they grow to trust the Morey’s who are kind, loving people who impart important life lessons to the children. Together, as a “family,” they foil an attempt by a ruthless man (with whom they are quite familiar) to steal the Morey’s savings.

My Impressions

I found this chapter book to be quite humorous and soothing at the same time. The Morey’s make a supreme effort to be kind and patient with Florida and Dallas. Through Sairy’s influence, time and time again, the couple proves that the children may trust them explicitly. Trust is a new concept for both the kiddos. This book is a “feel good” experience!

Reviews

“In an unusual approach for a children's book, Tiller and Sairy's points of view are at least as important as those of Dallas and Florida; and how the foursome play off one another is one of the key points of the narrative. There's a larger-than-life feel to this novel that makes the minor characters and subplots feel a bit out of scale--or out of sync--but the main story rests squarely on the four well-drawn characters. A stylized yet solid story from the author of the Newbery-award-winning Walk Two Moons (1994)…Gr. 4-7.”

-- Booklist (April 1, 2002)
Carolyn Phelan

“This poignant story evokes a feeling as welcoming as fresh-baked bread. The slow evolution of the siblings who are no angels parallels the gradual building of mutual trust for the Moreys. The novel celebrates the healing effects of love and compassion. Although conflicts emerge, readers will have little doubt that all will end well for the children and the grandparently Moreys. Ages 8-12.”

-- Publisher’s Weekly (March 4, 2002)
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information

“While the plot is predictable, the story weaves in an interesting mix of mystery, adventure, and humor, along with age-old and modern problems. Creech does a fine job of developing the unique personalities and the sibling relationship, and the children's defense mechanisms (Dallas's dreamy escapism and Florida's aggression) figure prominently in the interplay among the characters. The text is lively and descriptive with an authentic, if somewhat mystical, rural ambience. This entertaining read from a first-rate author will not disappoint Creech's many fans…Gr 4-6.”

-- School Library Journal (April 1, 2002)
Robyn Ryan Vandenbroek, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information

Suggestions for Library Use

Young children will enjoy this adventure, especially those children in foster care or who are adopted. The Moreys are such great role models in the example they set with the extent of their patience with Florida and Dallas; it might be a good read for those adults in foster care as well. All readers should find this book to be a comfortable and entertaining novel.