Published by Quill Tree Books

Summary:  Ruby’s had a tough year in seventh grade: one friend moved away, another drifted away, and her beloved grandfather died.  When Ruby’s caught sneaking out of school at lunchtime, she’s sent to her grandmother’s house every weekday during the summer.  Nai-Nai spends her days at the senior center, where Ruby is forced to tag along.  To her surprise, she finds a community there with the other old ladies and Liam, a classmate who also comes with his grandmother.  As the summer goes on, Ruby slowly comes to terms with her grief over her grandfather, her changing friendships, and, most heartbreakingly, her grandmother’s signs of early dementia.  As Ruby and Liam try, and fail, to save a beloved neighborhood bakery, Ruby learns that changes are inevitable, but that having a community of family and friends can help to navigate them.  304 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros:  A beautifully written story of grief, loss, and community.  Ruby struggles realistically with her emotions and with making choices that aren’t always great, but she also learns to make amends without compromising who she is.  I’d love to see this book win some awards.

Cons:  Until the very end, Ruby’s parents come across as pretty selfish and constantly exasperated with a daughter who is truly struggling.