Ruby Holler (Chinese Edition)

Brief introduction of Ruby Holler written by Sharon Creech: the twins, Dallas and Florida, were the two most naughty boys in the orphanage, therefore, they often drift between the adapting families and the orphanage. Some of them felt love in their heart for these kids, but three days later, they would become impatient with them; some was purely to save money for hiring labors and squeeze the two kids. So time and again, the twins lost belief in grown-ups and dreamed of escaping from the prison-like place. The presence of Dele and Siri let cynical Florida learn how to love others after he went through life and death and let the day-dreaming Dallas learn how to face the reality. Ruby Holler won the Carnegie Medal in 2003.

Having suffered through a string of appalling foster homes (the spitting Cranbepps; scary, toothless Mr. Dreep who locked them in his cellar; and the mean Burgerton boys), 13-year-old orphan Dallas and his twin sister, Florida, have pretty much given up on ever finding a happy home. So when an eccentric older couple enters their lives, providing such adventures as a river expedition, a treasure hunt (of sorts), and a whole lot of remarkable meals: "beat-the-blues broccoli," "anti-cranky crumpets," and "getting-used-to-kids- again stew," the twins take a while to warm up. Florida's language teems with outrageous, telling negativity--everything is "putrid"--and even dreamy Dallas is inclined to bouts of doubt. But warm up they do, to the continual delight of readers of all ages.

Sharon Creech, author of Newbery Medal winner Walk Two Moons and Newbery Honor book The Wanderer, is in fine form with her hilarious yet poignant novel about downtrodden siblings who refuse to be squished altogether. The perfectly happy ending is somewhat predictable, but readers who have fallen in love with each quirky character won't mind a bit. (Ages 8 to 13) --Emilie Coulter