The Two Wrong Halves of Ruby Taylor
on Goodreads (315)
What’s inside...
Funny and poignant, Amanda Panitch's new middle-grade novel The Two Wrong Halves of Ruby Taylor is an exploration of mixed families, identity, hundred-year-old curses, and the terrifying challenge of standing up for yourself against your loved ones. Of her two granddaughters, Grandma Yvette clearly prefers Ruby Taylor's perfect--and perfectly Jewish--cousin, Sarah. They do everything together, including bake cookies and have secret sleep overs that Ruby isn't invited to. Twelve-year-old Ruby suspects Grandma Yvette doesn't think she's Jewish enough. The Jewish religion is matrilineal, which means it's passed down from mother to child, and unlike Sarah, Ruby's mother isn't Jewish. But when Sarah starts acting out--trading in her skirts and cardigans for ripped jeans and stained t-shirts, getting in trouble at school--Ruby can't help but be somewhat pleased. Then Sarah suddenly takes things too far, and Ruby is convinced Sarah is possessed by a dybbuk, an evil spirit... that Ruby may or may not have accidentally released from Grandma Yvette's basement. Ruby is determined to save her cousin, but a dybbuk can only be expelled by a 'pious Jew.' If Ruby isn't Jewish enough for her own grandmother, how can she possibly be Jewish enough to fight a dybbuk? Amanda Panitch writes with a humorous, irresistible, and authentic voice. This character-driven story with a magic twist about speaking up and finding your place in the world is for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Stacey McAnulty, and Greg Howard.
Age
8-12
Length
314 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Ruby felt when she realized the two halves didn’t match?
How do you think resolving the puzzle changed Ruby’s understanding of herself?
What would you do if you were in Ruby’s shoes when she faced her challenges?
Why is it important to embrace our unique differences, like Ruby ultimately does?
How can we apply the lessons from Ruby’s experience to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Ruby’s journey, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story’s themes.
Highlight the importance of self-acceptance and resilience shown by Ruby, discussing how these qualities can be beneficial in real life.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the book, helping them develop creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of assembling the 'puzzle pieces' of our identity, and how each piece is crucial to understanding ourselves as whole.
Validate your child's feelings and perspectives as they discuss the book, ensuring they feel heard and supported.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Ruby Taylor, the protagonist, learns to understand and empathize with the feelings and perspectives of others, particularly those who seem different from her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions at school or home by considering other people's feelings and perspectives, leading to kinder and more inclusive behavior.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ruby faces various challenges that test her resilience. Her journey teaches her to persist despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of not giving up when faced with their own challenges, whether it be in completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of mistakes
Explanation: Ruby learns that making mistakes is a natural part of growing up and that what truly matters is how one learns from these mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept their mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth and learning, which can boost their confidence and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The story shows how Ruby’s relationships with her friends help her navigate her misadventures and grow as a person.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of supporting and being supported by friends, helping them build strong, healthy relationships throughout their lives.