Theft of the Ruby Lotus

Gr 4-7–Ria, 12, is distraught when her Bengali mother, an art historian, loses her job at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum and accepts a new position in Germany. How can Ria possibly leave her beloved city and best friends, Annie and Miracle? When a giant ruby is stolen from the museum’s priceless Lotus Sword and lands in her mailbox, Ria wonders if her mother is involved in the theft and concocts a scheme for returning the gem, hoping to win her mother’s job back and stay in NYC. But Ria’s task becomes complicated when she suspects the mysterious Lotus Society is after the ruby, and she, Annie, and Miracle must rely on their wits and talents to evade danger and return the jewel safely. Featuring a cast of characters reflecting NYC’s diversity, including three spunky, take-charge best friends, this novel is upbeat and funny even as it addresses serious themes like colonialism’s legacy and art repatriation. Each chapter is eventful, and some of the plot twists are unpredictable. Honoring the contributions of diverse cultures is a significant theme, yet Ria’s stereotyping of German culture in the book’s first chapter, while meant to be humorous and introduce her problem, somewhat undermines the message of appreciating diversity.