There are very few chapter books with Asian protagonists, so Alvin is a welcome young man in the chapter book genre.ĪLVIN HO: ALLERGIC TO DEAD BODIES, FUNERALS, AND OTHER FATAL CURCUMSTANCES (ALVIN HO #4)īy Lenore Look, Illustrated by Leuyen Pham What do you say teachers, parents and writers? Use the comment below and let’s chat…. But Choi’s drawings reflect a cartoonish, mass market-style that children will no doubt like for the color and bold ambiance.

I personally prefer Wilsdorf’s more loose, energetic work as it perfectly captures Ruby’s free spirit. Originally illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf, some later formats and versions carry illustrations by Stef Choi. With many chapter books written in first person, perhaps it is more the jolting difference in voice that makes this stand out.

But this is perhaps a personal preference. Written in third person, there were moments I wished to be in Ruby’s head more directly. Through foods, traditions, the bother of Chinese school on Saturdays, a tight-knit family dynamic and a neat little Chinese American glossary at the back, we don’t get told about the reality of Ruby’s life, we live it with her. Much as author Look does with her other chapter book series, Alvin Ho, Ruby Lu eases the reader into the Asian American experience. And second, a major component is her Chinese American culture, woven into the story with subtle elegance. First, her interests are so very visual and normal: a baby brother, a new neighbor, foggy mornings, magic shows and cousins. There are two things I like best about Ruby Lu. Rather than a turbulent run of action, Ruby’s story is more plum trees, sibling rivalry/love and the frustrations and joys of everyday life. She’s gutsy and genuine and kid-on-the-corner recognizable. She’s a girl who immediately invites newly independent readers into her world-slugs, sweaters and all. Ruby Lu, Brave and True charms with ease.

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2004)Īvailable in: paperback, hardcover, Kindle, NOOKĪt the time of this review three books in the Ruby Lu series. By Lenore Look, Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

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