Love, Ruby Lavender

At the end of last school year, Audrey mentioned this book to me. She said it was one of her all-time favorites. I have great faith in Audrey's tastes for books, so I picked this one up at a used book store this summer. It did not disappoint.

Ruby and her grandmother, Ms. Eula, are two peas in a pod. The story starts with the two of them "saving" local chickens at the chicken farm. They live in a small town in Mississippi that is full of quirky and larger-than-life characters. Right at the beginning of the story, Ruby mentions an "accident" that occurred a year ago. As you read the story, you learn more details about the accident and how Ruby was involved. I don't want to give too much away. I love the way the story unfolds, and I really don't want to ruin it for you.

If you liked Buttermilk Hill or Becoming Naomi Leon, you'll probably like this book, too. Deborah Wiles (the author) also wrote a book called Each Little Bird That Sings. It's sitting on my bedside table right now, and I'm really looking forward to reading it. Emmeline read it during the school year, and she highly recommends it.