Sunday, June 3, 2018

Ruby in the Ruins by Shirley Hughes - ADVISABLE

Hughes, Shirley Ruby in the Ruins,  32 pages. PICTURE BOOK Candlewick Press, 2018. $16.

EL (K-3) ADVISABLE

The war is over, and Ruby's dad should be home to London soon. When the day finally arrives, Ruby hardly recognizes her dad. Things have changed a bit at home, Ruby's room is moved to the attic and her dad just sits around the flat, not ready to go to work. So, Ruby plays with neighborhood boys in the rubble of the bombed out buildings. This is dangerous, but better than hanging around with the dad she hardly remembers.

Post war WWII and the effect it had on the children - this is an interesting subject and applicable today. The implication that her dad is suffering from PTSD, Ruby feeling awkward and displaced makes this a timely book. Beautifully illustrated, this would be a great book for a child struggling with a parent who has returned from the war. Everything will be ok.

Lisa Librarian

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