The One and Only Ruby — Content Guide for Parents
Found in this book
- ViolenceSupporting
- Scary contentSupporting
- ClimateSupporting
Not found
- Religion
- Race & culture
- Profanity
- Sexual content
- Gender roles
- Gender & orientation
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Summaries and source quotes for every theme.
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Religion
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
From beloved powerhouse author Katherine Applegate comes The One and Only Ruby, starring the adorable baby elephant from the Newbery Medal-winning modern classic The One and Only Ivan and its bestselling sequel, The One and Only Bob.
Ruby's story picks up a few months after the events of The One and Only Bob. Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby's caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up is visiting. Seeing him again brings back a flood of memories both happy and sad of her life before the circus, and she recounts the time she spent in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob.
In the timeless way that only Katherine Applegate could craft, this highly anticipated novel in verse is the perfect mix of heartfelt and humorous, poignant and sweet. Artist Patricia Castelao returns to the world of Ivan and his friends with gorgeous black-and-white interior illustrations to complete the story.
The One and Only Ruby features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective).
This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom.
Don't miss the film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan, now streaming on Disney+!
Frequently asked questions
Is The One and Only Ruby appropriate for a 7-year-old?
In Ruby's memories, poachers kill her mother and cut off her tusks, farmers chase starving elephants with guns, and captive elephants are physically abused to make them do tricks. Ruby's remembered trauma includes a fire that destroys the orphanage, her capture and sale, being kept in boxes and trucks, and the death of her mother and of her friend Stella.
Does The One and Only Ruby have violence?
Found (Supporting): In Ruby's memories, poachers kill her mother and cut off her tusks, farmers chase starving elephants with guns, and captive elephants are physically abused to make them do tricks.
Does The One and Only Ruby have scary content?
Found (Supporting): Ruby's remembered trauma includes a fire that destroys the orphanage, her capture and sale, being kept in boxes and trucks, and the death of her mother and of her friend Stella.
Does The One and Only Ruby have religion?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does The One and Only Ruby have race & culture?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does The One and Only Ruby have profanity?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does The One and Only Ruby have climate?
Found (Supporting): The story includes a drought that pushes starving elephants into farmers' fields, and the author's note and reviews say the book addresses climate change and its effect on elephants.
Does The One and Only Ruby have sexual content?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does The One and Only Ruby have gender roles?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does The One and Only Ruby have gender & orientation?
Not found in the sources we checked.
