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From bestselling author Terri Libenson, Remarkably Ruby is a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye.
Pride. Popularity … Poetry? Middle school.
Ruby and Mia are total opposites. Ruby is a little awkward, not a “joiner,” and loves to write poetry. While Mia is type A, popular(ish), and wants to be class prez.
They used to be friends. But now they have nothing in common anymore … Or do they?
Don’t miss the rest of the Emmie & Friends series: Invisible Emmie, Positively Izzy, Just Jaime, Becoming Brianna, Truly Tyler, and You-Niquely You: An Emmie & Friends Interactive Journal!
Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Remarkably Ruby below 
Book reviews from Ellen (13) and James (10)
I loved Remarkably Ruby because of the bright colours, and that it was a graphic novel. Because I LOVE reading graphic novels! I loved how there were two perspectives of people in middle school, and that they were really different. One was quite popular and the other one a bit quiet, with only a couple of friends. I love how you get to meet students from other books in this series that Terri Libenson has written.
This book made me feel like I was there at the middle school learning all the drama, gossiping with friends “BESTIES!”, and new relationships like bonding friendships and crushes. This book shows what happens in a lot of schools with all the different types of students.
Thank you Kidspot for letting me read this fabulous book. I loved it so much I feel like going and buying another one from a book store! Thank you again for giving me the pleasure of reading this book and I hope to do this again.
Ellen
Remarkably Ruby is a very good book and very interesting. The thing I liked was that it was from two points of view. I give it 10 out of 10. It has made me want to read the whole series. This should probably be for 10 – 12year olds, and you should definitely get it!
James
Book review from Bella, aged 13
Remarkably Ruby is about two girls who are total opposites. One is called Ruby and she loves poetry and is a little awkward. The other is called Mia and she is popular(ish) and is running for class president. These two used to be best friends but now they have nothing in common … or do they? Through a poetry club, talent show and election these two girls will go through a lot and have many difficult problems all while trying to survive middle school. Will they be able to overcome their challenges?
Overall Remarkably Ruby was a great book. It was an easy read and it was fully illustrated in a fun art style. I really liked the plot line and it was very interesting. It also felt very real and you could really relate to the characters and story. Although I would recommend it for younger readers, overall it was a great read!
Book review from Holly, aged 11
The book Remarkably Ruby is about two old friends Ruby and Mia, who grew apart over the years. Now they have absolutely nothing in common anymore. Or at least that’s what it seems like, but sometimes people can surprise you. A little bit of both of them wants to be friends again, but that’s easier said than done …
The story made me laugh so much and Ruby is such a quirky and relatable character. Ruby is a girl with such an amazing personality that is unfortunately hidden beneath her shyness. She is the type of girl I would love to get to know and be friends with!
Ruby and Mia’s relationship is definitely something a lot of people can relate to, and I think having a book about it will definitely help people who are struggling with friendships. Both Ruby and Mia are such cool characters, and I like to see their different interests!
I think the age group this book is aimed at is any age from eight to twelve, and even someone a bit older might still enjoy it, as long as they are happy to read something easy. I would one hundred per cent recommend this book to anyone looking for something fun and uplifting to read.
Book review from Abby, aged 12
This book follows Ruby, an awkward, shy 12-year-old girl as she navigates the struggle of middle school. Her POV, alternates with Mia’s, a popular, type A girl running for class president. This book is about them and their own struggles as they rebuild their old friendship.
I would say this book is for children aged 8-12 as it is an easy read. It also has a lot of funny, interesting illustrations that follow the story. Some of this book was repetitive but overall, I really enjoyed it as a fast, fun read. I rate it 7/10.
Book review from Maggie, aged 12
Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson is about a wonderful colourful character called Ruby. She became really tall from 4th grade and didn’t really fit in with other kids at school in terms of her height and the way she was. Her job at home was watering all the pot plants and she has a cat called Buford. Her and her mother look very alike. Her mother is a sculptor. She bravely copes with a medical condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome, in an unforgiving school environment.
Ruby seems to be out of step with all her peers. However, Ruby likes poetry and helps start up a poetry club at her school. She wants to read a poem at the school talent show.
Another girl Mia pops up all along in the book. There are lots of intriguing issues around elections, friends and poetry.
I really enjoyed the format of the book, the different sections about Mia and the subjects. I believe the book celebrates those that are different and puts the spotlight on those that are not so kind in the school system. Ruby is witty and unique and I think everyone can see some of her in themselves.
Book review from Charlie, aged 12
Mia and Ruby used to be friends but now they aren’t. They are both different, Mia is running for class president and Ruby loves to write poems. Mia is confident and has lots of friends supporting her in becoming class president but maybe she’s forgetting what’s important. Ruby is quite shy but when she gets the opportunity to join a poetry club, everything changes for her.
I would definitely recommend this book because you want to find out what happens to both Mia and Ruby. The characters in the book are interesting, fun and have many different attributes, which although it makes the girls different it makes them both special in their own way.
The book tells the story through each of the girls eyes, swapping between the two the whole way through until the end when their stories come together. There are so many different problems and things that happen in the book that it keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next. It creates suspense which makes you want to keep reading.
After reading it, I gave it to my 10 year old sister who has read other books in this series. She loved that all the books have characters from each of the other books in the series. I enjoyed the story, however I think the book is more aimed at my sister’s age.
I really liked the relatability of the main characters and without giving anything away, there’s a totally unexpected plot twist at the end. I also like how the illustrations are similar to each of the girls. Ruby’s illustrations are quite plain and Mia’s are very bold and colourful.
This is the first book I have read from Terri Libenson, but I found out Remarkably Ruby is the sixth book in a series called Emmie and Friends. I would give this book 10 out of 10! I enjoyed it so much that I have issued 4 of the other books from the library and I’m currently reading Becoming Brianna.
Sarah, aged 12.
What I liked: I liked how Ruby got more and more confident as she makes more and more friends and invites people to the Poetry club. I also was pleased when Ruby and Mia became friends again. Also, once they have rebuilt their friendship, how they encouraged each other in specific areas.
What wasn’t my favourite: All the romance stuff; it just isn’t necessary because it doesn’t add to the story in my opinion. Another thing that doesn’t quite fit, is how the school is American, so I can’t really make links to my school.
Remarkably Ruby isn’t the type of book I normally read, because graphics aren’t my favourite, but I think some people in my class would enjoy it.
Kaitly, aged 11
Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.
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