A review by onceuponacarm
Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech

4.0

Orphans Florida and Dallas have an awfully interesting past, which unfolds throughout the story through flashbacks, sharing of memories, and mysteries that come back to haunt them in both good and bad ways. Raised primarily at the Boxton Creek Home by the "putrid" couple that runs the orphanage, they grow up thinking of themselves as the "trouble twins," spending plenty of time in the cellar as punishment for running, yelling, and being themselves. When Sairy and Tiller, an elderly couple, borrow them from the orphanage to accompany them on two different trips, the twins have little hope that this time will be any different from the many other times a foster family took them in, treated them horribly, and quickly sent them back. The love, patience, and wisdom of Sairy and crotchety-old-Tiller work their magic slowly and realistically on these two children. Several times they attempt to run away, steal from Sairy and Tiller, punish themselves for being "bad," and fight the temptation to get comfortable. Unlike some other classics about orphans finding a family, these two are compelling and likable from the beginning, in spite of Florida's crankiness and their penchant for breaking things and distrusting everyone. Love runs throughout this story, as well as questions of identity, family, and right and wrong. It's beautifully written and a pleasure to read. Recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction with compelling characters (and maybe a hint of magic) such as books by Wendy Mass, Jerry Spinelli, and others by Sharon Creech.