Applegate, Katherine. One and Only Ruby, The. Patricia Castelao, Illus. Harper, 05/2023. 217pp. Fiction.Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-308008-9. GRADES 4 – 7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Ruby is hesitant about her upcoming Tusk Day celebration because she knows tusks can motivate humans to kill elephants. In the most meaningful section of this novel, told in brief paragraphs and short chapters, Ruby describes her childhood in Africa, the loss of her mother, and her rescue. Not as compelling as the first two books in the series which began with The One and Only Ivan (2012), this is still well written with a nice message about conservation and will certainly please fans. Spot b&w artwork every few pages makes this accessible to readers moving into full-length novels.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool
