About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is processing the long-term absence of a parent or dealing with the 'quiet' grief of a family mystery. Twelve-year-old Ruby Miller is a creative force who uses her passion for screenwriting to make sense of her world, specifically her father's five-year disappearance and her younger brother's eccentric attachment to a stuffed mammoth. It is a poignant exploration of how imagination serves as both an escape and a tool for discovery. Ruby's journey is one of emotional detective work, blending humor with a realistic look at a single-parent household in Venice, California. While the themes of abandonment and longing are significant, the tone remains hopeful and grounded in Ruby's vibrant voice. This is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who feel deeply and use art, writing, or movies to navigate their own complicated family dynamics.
