Ruby Lu is an eight-year-old Chinese American girl who lives life to the fullest. A hilarious book for newly independent readers reveals the best and worst of Ruby. She has a great imagination and loves to perform magic shows in her back yard. She is crazy about her new baby brother, Oscar; her grandparents; and the snacks they serve at Chinese School. She is not so crazy about Christina, the new girl in her class, other people’s baby brothers, and learning all the new Chinese words and characters. By the end of this short novel, Ruby’s growth is apparent in many ways, from her friendship with Christina to her obvious pride in newly mastered Chinese skills. Occasional black-and-white illustrations add to the lighthearted tone of a story that includes a screamingly funny scene in which Ruby decides to “borrow” her parents’ car and drive herself to school. Ruby Lu is a girl to watch out for. (Ages 5–9)