Books Like The One and Only Ruby
Families who loved The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a heavy secret, a difficult memory, or the complex process of making peace with their past. While it features the beloved characters from The One and Only Ivan, this story centers on Ruby, the baby elephant, as she prepares for her Tusk Ceremony. The arrival of a caretaker from her infancy in Africa triggers a flood of memories, forcing her to confront both the beauty of her herd and the trauma of being captured. It is a masterclass in how to hold joy and sorrow at the same time. Written in gentle, accessible verse, it provides a safe emotional container for middle-grade readers to explore themes of resilience, the meaning of home, and the importance of telling one's own story. It is a poignant choice for children who are ready to move beyond simple happy endings toward a more nuanced understanding of life's challenges.
