Reviews

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech

katieproctorbooks's review against another edition

4.0

Great on audio—sweet story of twins living in foster care situations and kind people who take them in. I kind of wanted more at the end though!

ess_bee's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sierra_color's review against another edition

5.0

I spent the whole morning reading this book. I was a little nervous about reading it, because I was afraid it would be too similar to [b:Chasing Redbird|53495|Chasing Redbird|Sharon Creech|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1200866651l/53495._SY75_.jpg|1945168]. I really didn't like how that book went, but man, was I surprised to find that this book is a hundred times better. I only have one criticism, and that's that there wasn't train travel! I was hoping for some good old train hopping, but eh.. that really didn't happen. I kinda predicted that though.

Other than that, this book is wonderful! The writing is so fun and engaging, and you get a really good feel for the characters personalities, which compliment each other well, even though Dallas and Florida are complete opposites. I also like how Sairy and Tiller's personalities are very similar to the main characters, but also very, very different, because of the way that the two twins have been raised. I also love how the topic of abuse was treated, these characters weren't belittled, or told that "they were exaggerating" when it came to the way they were treated. Instead, they were believed, heard, and loved. The adults, when told about what the characters went through, emphasized and were also angry, not at the children, but at the fellow adults.

Speaking of children, both Florida's and Dallas' development were done excellently here, while the former's trust had to be earned more, Dallas' was a bit more trusting of the older couple, which I liked, because it was realistic. That's how kids act. I also loved their dynamic, of Florida being the tough, protective one, and Dallas' being the more trusting, day dreamer type. Again, I thought they fit together really well. I love their personalities, I literally couldn't put this book down because I was wondering what would happen to them!

All of these characters are so entertaining and unique, and I love how we have a mystery combined with a good ol adventure story, it makes it a fun read! I have to admit that this book surprised me quite a bit, not only is it a realistic portrayal of children, but it's also well written. You can tell each character's personality right off the bat, and the perspective changes make the story much more interesting, and make you want to read it more. The ending could use a bit more closure, but at the same time, I love how it ended, and I couldn't really imagine ending it any other way, I honestly can't wait to read this one again!

ruta_crnoja's review against another edition

emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

jkonopaski's review

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jennahg123's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

swinchester234's review against another edition

4.0

Ruby Holler is a story about two orphans that was written in 2002 by Sharon Creech.

Spoiler

Dallas and Florida are twins that live in the Boxton Creek Home, which is owned by the Trepid’s. The owners are relieved when an older couple, Tiller and Sairy, decides to have them stay for the summer because of the twin’s troublesome behavior. The couple takes the twins to Ruby Holler where they are from and decide to take them on adventures. Sairy and Dallas are going to go to an island to search for a bird, while Tiller and Florida are going to rebuild a boat and go on a trip down river. The couple has an “understone” savings where they have been collecting money and putting it under stones on the property. Dallas accidentally tells Mr. Trepid this and Mr. Trepid looks for the money while the couple and the twins are gone on mini-adventures in preparation for the longer adventures. A man named Z is looking after their property and is also helping Mr. Trepid The couple and the twins find some trouble on the mini-adventure and have to come back. Mr. Trepid is eventually found out and they hatch a plan to make him pay. The story ends with the couple wanting to permanently adopt the twins, while the twins actually want to stay for once.

This book is a heartwarming story about two lost kids finding a loving home, something they previously did not think existed. This story had parts that were scary, sad, emotional and happy and made the reader feel what the children and the older couple were feeling.

jlworley's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars. I’d like to give it higher but it felt choppy and ended abruptly. Yes, it’s written for upper elementary or middle grades but still felt lacking. Heartwarming story, however, and still recommended.

taylorzart's review against another edition

This one has its moments of charm, but in comparison to all the other Sharon Creech novels that I love dearly, this just didn't land for me. Somehow both too flat and too ambiguous? It both dragged and feels like sections are missing? A strange one in her oeuvre.

zimmerlemon's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring

5.0

Just spending some summer time re-reading my childhood favorites<3