The Beat on Ruby's Street

The Beat on Ruby's Street was a very interesting look into the life of a child of the Beat generation. I really don't know much about people who did consider themselves Beatniks, and never thought about the children that they raised. I was very interested in Ruby's way of life and I adored her poetry. I thought it was very interesting that they were treated without respect because of their different way of life. However, I didn't like that the social worker was portrayed as a villain rather than someone who came to understand a different way of living. I was very happy that Ruby did finally get to meet her poet and perform her poetry. Overall, an inspiring piece of historical fiction for middle grade readers.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Fool's Errand

An exciting and dangerous middle grade adventure in the 1950's. Fool's Errand picks up soon after book 1, The Beat of Ruby's Street leaves off and I would highly encourage reading that first in order to get to Ruby. Through Ruby, I learned a little more about America's hidden history of the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood Blacklist that Sophie's mom was placed on. Ruby's adventure was also a coming-of-age journey for her where she expanded out of the Beat society and learned that her actions had consequences. Ruby also learned more of the rules of society that she didn't always experience as a Beat and gained maturity as she learned to trust others and that not everything will go the way you think.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.