Baby elephant Ruby lives at the Park with the rest of her small elephant herd; her friend Ivan, a silverback gorilla, lives nearby, and a small dog called Bob is their frequent visitor. As Ruby's "Tuskday" approaches, readers discover the reason for her reluctance, and the reason she doesn't like her tusks: it has to do with what "bad humans" will do to get elephant tusks, and Ruby's history in Africa. But as another elephant advises, Ruby can't outrun growing up: that's a race she won't win. Through telling her story to a caring audience, Ruby gains courage to go forward.

Novel in verse. See also: The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob. Fine to read as a standalone or out of order. ( )

Y'all. I adore One and Only Ivan. I ALWAYS recommend it. It is absolutely deserving of the Newbery Medal that it won.

But.....I think I love The One and Only Ruby more.

Yes. Yes I said it.

Perhaps it is because it is an elephant (and I adore elephants). Perhaps it is because the voice of Ruby is innocent and yet experienced, happy and yet said. Absolutely, utterly, and completely one of growing up.

Pain and loss, heartbreak and joy. All of it is found once again in Katherine Applegate's writing. I cannot help but wonder if this book will win a Newbery like its predecessor. Because, I was taken to Africa with the words. I smelled the smoke Ruby smelled. I felt how nervous she was for Tuskday. I felt her love for Ivan and George and Jabari.

Seriously, read this book. Recommend the crap out of this book. THIS is how middle grade fiction should read. ( )

Well that was a heart wrenching and beautiful story. I love that Katherine Applegate talks about conservation efforts and doing your part to not support elephants in captivity (i.e., circus, roadside zoos, etc.). I cried so many times while Ruby was telling her story to Ivan and Bob, even though I know this particular story is fiction, there are just too many elephants that live through this exact story.

A fantastic read and I highly recommend! ( )

"The One and Only Ruby" is a heartwarming and charming middle-grade novel and a companion to the best-selling book "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate. This story follows Ruby, a young elephant who was rescued from the same circus as Ivan, and now lives at the local zoo. Ruby longs for adventure and excitement, but also struggles with fitting in and finding her place in her new home.

Applegate's writing is beautifully descriptive and engaging, creating a vivid and immersive world for the reader to get lost in. Ruby is a lovable and relatable protagonist, and readers will root for her as she navigates her new environment and learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

The story is full of heart and humor, and it explores important themes such as belonging, identity, and the power of hope. The book also touches on animal rights issues and promotes compassion and understanding towards animals and their well-being.

Overall, "The One and Only Ruby" is a touching and captivating book that will appeal to both young readers and adults alike. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking story that will leave a lasting impact on its readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys middle-grade novels and animal stories, and to fans of "The One and Only Ivan" in particular. ( )

First sentence: Nobody ever listens to the littlest elephant. And around here, the littlest elephant is me.

Premise/plot: Ruby has starred in The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob. It is only fair that this 'littlest elephant' gets a chance to tell her own story.

Ruby is getting her tusks and the elephant herd wants to celebrate the occasion. But Ruby is reluctant. She is not happy about her tusks, and the idea of celebrating something she hates about herself, well, it's overwhelming.

Ruby is surrounded by those who love, love, love, love, love, love, love her. She is supported.

In this book, she tells her story. She shares memories of Stella. She shares memories of her time in Africa. There are so many flashbacks. Many chapters are just Ruby talking while Ivan and Bob occasionally are referenced as listening or gently asking questions.

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The One and Only Ruby. I can honestly say that all three books in this series are unique. You might think, well, they are all in the same series. Yes, they're in the same series, but the tone and voice, the plot and pacing--each book is so unique.

The One and Only Ruby is very reflective. Perhaps this isn't surprising. After all, elephants never forget, right? They have amazing memories. Ruby has been shaped by her memories. And while she's struggling with her reluctance to celebrate her tusks--and finding the teasing unbearable--her memories are helping her.

Friendship and found families are strong themes in this one. (Though I might be misusing the word 'theme'.) ( )