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About The Book

When Ruby's cousin Flying Duck emigrates from China to live with her, Ruby decides the best thing about Flying Duck is that she is a great new friend. BUT the worst thing about Flying Duck is that now, no one speaks English at home. Plus, there's strange food on the table every night and only chopsticks to eat it with. And Flying Duck is deaf, and Ruby doesn't know any Chinese Sign Language.

As if that weren't enough, this summer proves to be even more perilous as Ruby faces the dangers of swimming lessons, the joys of summer school, the difficulty of staying with a twelve-step program, the miracle needed to keep a beautiful stray dog that wanders into her life, and much more. Is it all too much for anyone -- even the Empress of Everything -- to handle?

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Lenore Look is the author of Ruby Lu, Brave and True, an ALA Notable Book, as well as its sequels, Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything and Ruby Lu, Star of the Show. Her picture books include Love as Strong as Ginger, illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Stephen T. Johnson; Henry’s First-Moon Birthday; and Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding, both illustrated by Yumi Heo. She lives in Hong Kong.

About The Illustrator

Anne Wilsdorf is the illustrator of Ruby Lu, Brave and True, as well as Alligator Sue by Sharon Arms Doucet. She lives in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (June 23, 2008)
  • Length: 176 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781439107331
  • Grades: 1 - 5
  • Ages: 6 - 10

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Awards and Honors

  • School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
  • ALA Notable Children's Books
  • CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
  • Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
  • Land of Enchantment RoadRunner Award Nominee (NM)
  • Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Nominee (OR)
  • Monarch Award Master List (IL)
  • Gryphon Award Honor Book

Resources and Downloads

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More books from this author: Lenore Look

More books from this illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf

More books in this series: Ruby Lu