The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ruby

Katherine Applegate

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

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.

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 Stories99%
Friendship68%
Stories Set in Africa46%

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