From the Publisher
Junior Library Guild Selection
Andre Norton—Nebula Award Winner
"A page-turning mix of science, science fiction, and mystery that will empower readers to pursue their own STEM passions." —Kirkus Reviews
"Ruby is a fun, smart, and lovably realistic protagonist, well balanced against the different personalities among her friends. Her strength lies in both her capability and her bonds of family, friendship, and community... An entertaining and highly recommended read, perfect for readers who love science and adventure-mysteries." —Booklist
"Bradford’s entertaining and informative tale highlights the value of scientific and critical thinking as well as the importance of friendship and community." —School Library Journal
"I inhaled this book in half a day and LOVED every moment! Amazing scientist heroine, alien bug, adventures—this book has it all." —Yoon Ha Lee, award-winning author of Dragon Pearl
"An action-packed, hilarious, heart-rending story. It is perfect in every way: from Ruby’s dedication to science to her incredible friend group. I am personally ready for Ruby Finley to take over the world." —Mark Oshiro, award-winning author of The Insiders and You Only Live Once, David Bravo
Kirkus Reviews
2022-08-02
Eleven-year-old Ruby Finley is a gifted science student who loves bugs.
Ruby, who presents as Black on the book’s cover, often stores insects in mason jars under her bed, but the latest one she finds has her stumped, especially when it melts holes in its jar and then the window screen to escape. Ruby posts pictures online and asks for help identifying the bug, but the pictures are deleted, and several White men calling themselves “agents” show up asking questions. They claim to have captured the bug, but strange things occur, including metal thefts. The town’s recluse goes missing, and on a Discord channel, Ruby picks up chatter about aliens and government coverups. In an underlying story, tension escalates between Ruby and her White science teacher, who deems Ruby’s proposed science fair project too ambitious and tries to punish her for not agreeing to an easier project. Luckily, Ruby’s parents, the principal, and her former science teacher have her back. Ruby, with the help of her friends, applies the scientific method and figures out what’s going on. Bradford challenges readers to keep up with Ruby to solve this intriguing and absorbing mystery. Bradford also addresses, with sensitivity and nuance, the ways in which Black students are marginalized in STEM fields. The author depicts a tightly knit, supportive community of color, where kids roam freely and an older neighbor is always outside to keep an eye on things.
A page-turning mix of science, science fiction, and mystery that will empower readers to pursue their own STEM passions. (Fiction. 9-12)
