
The One and Only Ruby
HarperCollins · Print & ebook · May 6, 2025
A Middle Grade pick for readers exploring The One and Only Ruby.
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- Who it’s for
- Ruby’s verse narration balances tender memories with humor, returning to the world of Ivan and Bob.
- Themes
- Ruby’s memories before the circus, Ruby’s time in the African savannah
- Genres
- Elephant Stories, Friendship, Stories Set in Africa
Nearest books
Matched by what the books are about, then ordered by what their readers also loved.
The One and Only FamilyKatherine Applegate82% match
Orris and Timble: the BeginningKate DiCamillo50% matchShares Friendship
Doggo and Pupper Search for CozyKatherine Applegate46% match
The Secret FawnKallie George46% match
Pocket BearKatherine Applegate55% matchShares Friendship
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote SunriseDan Gemeinhart50% matchShares Friendship
Two Problems for SophiaJim Averbeck47% match
A Whale of the WildRosanne Parry52% match
For older readers: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, Nigeria Jones, The Girl Who Smiled Beads
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Start with this bookAbout 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.
Continue reading
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+!
A Voice Remembered
Ruby’s verse narration balances tender memories with humor, returning to the world of Ivan and Bob.
Come here for
- An elephant’s first-person memories, both happy and sad
- A familiar world shaped by friendship and animal voices
Expect
- A heartfelt, humorous novel in verse
- Black-and-white illustrations alongside Ruby’s story
Where it sits
| Elephant Stories | 99% |
|---|---|
| Friendship | 68% |
| Stories Set in Africa | 46% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Animal Stories
- Monkeys & Apes
- Dog Stories
- Elephant Stories
Show all 8 publisher categories
- Art & Architecture
- The Classics
- Sibling Stories
- Alternative Family Stories
- Authors
- Katherine Applegate
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- May 6, 2025
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Theme
- Ruby’s memories before the circus · Ruby’s time in the African savannah
- Reading lane
- Animal Stories