Ruby is a lovely book in every aspect. It has a message but its educational purpose does not overshadow the storytelling so it’s not preachy: it is a tale of friendship and courage and how with the right support, great things are possible even though they seem insurmountable at first.
Heape has assembled a cast of good people in his novel and it is an uplifting tale because of this. Toby is a teenage boy who, with his dog Ruby, competes at dog shows, with Ruby’s ownership shared by Madeleine Fulbright, a lady intent on producing dog show champions. With this in mind, ambitions are high for Ruby; she has the making of a champion but this is soon to be changed when Toby and his family move house with Toby’s dad’s work and encounter Judge Walker and Rachel Parker.
It soon becomes apparent that Ruby is a pretty special dog when she is able to anticipate Rachel’s seizures, Rachel being an epileptic. This happens quite by accident but it soon becomes clear that Ruby could change Rachel’s life, providing her with independence and the freedom that she has never experienced up until now.
And so, the dilemma is presented: can Ruby be both? Show dog and service dog? And what will the practicalities be for her training and also being shared between Toby and
Rachel? And how will Madeleine Fulbright feel about this too as Ruby’s shared owner?
Heape takes us through these questions, providing answers through the action of his book, showing his characters as they discuss the ramifications of Ruby’s role diversification and how this will work practically to provide improvement in Rachel’s life. Rachel is faced with the chance of no longer being limited: she can go for a walk, head off to the mall and the biggest change and challenge of all, go to high school.
This is a positive book, showing what can be achieved when people come together and are prepared to step up to help others. There are no shocks here but it is well-crafted, nicely told with optimism and some additional information about issues covered in the book at the end.
A warm read, well-told.
Scuffed Granny 