Ruby in the Rough

by Steven Ruby

Steve Ruby’s father has passed away and his mother finds it oh so hard to raise the mischievous experimenter. Steve must now figure out how to deal with all the weird characters surrounding him. To the cruel and vicious Mrs. Badger, he appropriately applies a nickname, and it provokes her so much that her fists clench tight, her body shakes, and her face glows cherry red. Even the vein on her forehead pops out and beams like an emergency light on top of a police cruiser. The neighborhood is teaming with eccentrics with whom he must battle and there is one around every corner.

Steve’s goal in life is to become a great inventor. He is fascinated by gadgets and gizmos: whether big or small, new or old, safe or perilous. His older sister, Katie, is his friend in peace and ally in battle. But even she can’t protect him from his worst enemy: himself. He is far too inquisitive and unpredictable for the adults who constantly worry whether he just might accidentally incinerate the house or inadvertently blow up the dog. To tell the truth, he’s never actually exploded anything or maimed anyone. Then again, he’s only eight. So, there’s lots of time left for being a holy terror. Looks like the road ahead’s going to be rough.

The book is a series of stories (each chapter can be read independently) about a boy's coming of age. They are linked by the hero's life changes through his boyhood and teenage years.

222 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2013

Reviews

[Gretchen Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a First Reads through Goodreads. This book is a coming of age novel about a boy who loses his father. The protagonist, Steve, is an adventurous young man. He has numerous adventures through his childhood. His mom does her best to keep him on the right path. This book is a fun read with each chapter telling a new adventure from crazy Uncles to camping adventures. I recommend this book to young boys finding their ways in life and to adults that like to reminisse about the days when they were young. I give it four out of five stars.

[Susan Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Ruby in the Rough!" Each chapter is an independent story, allowing the reader a delightful, colorful snapshot of the author's childhood. His insatiable couriosity and tenacity are like a breath of fresh air and the descriptions of his neighborhood and adventures trigger memories of my own!

[Rachida Taissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby in The Rough.
I really enjoyed this book so much. It's wonderful to read about his adventures and experiments, and how he described his neighbours. His life was really interesting.

[Najwa]

good