FICTION

Ruby Lost and Found

by Christina Li
HarperCollins/Quill Tree. May 2023. 304p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063008939.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5 Up–A thematically rich novel that will spark important discussions, and to which any tween can relate. Thirteen-year-old Chinese American Ruby is having trouble adjusting to the changes of the past year. She is grieving her beloved grandfather Ye-Ye and the loss of her best friends to new social groups. While staying with her grandmother Nai-Nai for the summer, Ruby must face more changes—to Nai-Nai and to the Chinatown neighborhood she loves. Li establishes a strong sense of place, emphasizing the importance of community and intergenerational connections in overcoming life’s challenges. Ruby is a relatable and well-developed protagonist, as are the side characters, who add humor and heart to a sometimes emotionally heavy plot.
VERDICT Perfect for fans of Merci Suárez Changes Gears and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance, this novel is recommended for general purchase.
Reviewed by Maria Bohan , Sep 29, 2023

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