Independent Reading Level: Grades: 1 - 5
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
ALA Notable Children's Books
CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
Land of Enchantment RoadRunner Award Nominee
Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Nominee
Monarch Award Master List
Gryphon Award Honor Book ( )

Appealing story about what Ruby does when her cousin Flying Duck's family immigrates to the US and moves in with Ruby. Flying Duck is deaf, and knows Chinese sign language, so Ruby becomes a Smile Buddy at school to help her adjust. It's a charming kid hijinks kind of story, but I found some of the narrative choppy. It felt like it leaps from adventure to adventure with very little transition. ( )

Ruby Lu is facing big changes: her cousin, Flying Duck, has come from China to live with Ruby's family. Flying Duck is Deaf and speaks Chinese Sign Language, so Ruby has to learn that as well as brush up on her Chinese. She also has to face swim lessons and summer school, and, when a stray dog comes into her life, she has to figure out how to keep him. It's a lot, but Ruby is up to the challenge! ( )

I read the second book first, not knowing that their was a first book. I was also a bit thrown off by the acknowledgements at the front of the book. Nevertheless, I laughed and became highly engrossed in Ruby Lu's family and friends. The details in the story about adjusting to a new country, being special and friendship (Ruby's relationship with Emma is a treat and Emma is like some people I knew). I loved the little drawings at the bottom of the corners, and loved all the illustrations Anne Wilsdorf created in the book. After the story concludes there are two treats that will have you buying the book for yourself and others. I cannot wait to read the first one and hope there are more to follow. ( )

A chapter book about family. Ruby Lu spends the summer with her deaf cousin. Ruby Lu is challenged with adjusting to her new family. They go through adventures at the swimming pool and at summer school. Their friendship goes through high and low points. We follow these girls’ learning and growing with each other. ( )