Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Ruby Holler

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
The Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons and Absolutely Normal Chaos takes listeners on an adventure brimming with mystery, buried treasure, and the healing power of cookies. Nicknamed the "trouble twins," 13- year-old brother and sister Dallas and Florida have long since given up hope of ever finding a family. Then they meet Tiller and Sairy, an eccentric older couple looking for some help with one last adventure while they're still spry enough to paddle a canoe and climb a mountain.
  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Levels

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      In this wonderful story about building trust, we meet twins Dallas and Florida, 15 years old and still living at an orphanage after many failed placements. When they're finally placed in a warm and loving foster home, they expect the worst. But Tiller and Sairy, with patience for all the twins' misguided efforts, slowly draw out their stories of past abuses and allow them to be kids. Suzanne Toren portrays the caring Sairy and tough but warm Tiller. Toren manages to give each twin a similar, yet separate, voice and distinct personality. Her even presentation draws us into the story, and we care very much how the twins fare in the end. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      March 4, 2002
      The characters introduced here—two abandoned children, their villainous guardians and a kindly country couple—might have stepped out of a Dickens novel, but as Creech (Love that Dog) probes beneath their facades, the characters grow more complex than classic archetypes. Florida and her brother Dallas, raised in an orphanage run by the cold-hearted Trepids, rely on each other rather than grownups for support. They become suspicious when Mr. Trepid informs them that they are going to a place called Ruby Holler to accompany old Mr. and Mrs. Morey on separate vacations. Florida is to be Mr. Tiller Morey's companion on a canoe trip; Dallas is to help Mrs. Sairy Morey hunt down an elusive bird. Readying for the trips proves to be a journey in itself as the Moreys, Florida and Dallas make discoveries about one another as well as themselves in a soothing rural environment. This poignant story evokes a feeling as welcoming as fresh-baked bread. The slow evolution of the siblings—who are no angels—parallels the gradual building of mutual trust for the Moreys. The novel celebrates the healing effects of love and compassion. Although conflicts emerge, readers will have little doubt that all will end well for the children and the grandparently Moreys. Ages 8-12.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Not since HOLES, by Louis Sachar, has children's literature celebrated an American tall tale with a plot of such serendipitous proportions. Insolent Florida and her earnest brother, Dallas, 13-year-old orphan "trouble twins" of the penurious Boxton Creek Home for Children, live to break every one of its insufferable and ubiquitous rules until they are finally sprung by Tiller and Sairy Morey. Their stay in the lush Ruby Holler frames a hilarious yet heart-tugging journey through loss and reclamation. Although the voices of the quirky secondary characters occasionally suffer from too much similarity, Donna Murphy's Southern drawl is put to varied use, from the gruff Boxton Home owner, Mr. Trepid, and his cranky pseudo-genteel wife, Mrs. Trepid, to the reticent but generous Tiller and the warm-hearted Sairy. Creech fans will rejoice in another tale by the Newbery Medalist and celebrate this refreshing change of pace. T.B. 2003 ALA Notable Recording (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:660
  • Text Difficulty:3

Loading