Review Detail

Remarkably Ruby is a relatable middle school story that explores friendship, anxiety, and identity. Told through a mix of illustrated panels and written narration, the book follows two former friends, Ruby and Mia, who seem completely different but are dealing with similar struggles beneath the surface.

Ruby is quiet, creative, and more comfortable writing poetry than socializing. She struggles with anxiety and feels out of place at school, which affects both her confidence and her health. Her discomfort in social situations is very realistic, especially for middle school readers who may feel the same way. On the other hand, Mia appears more put together. She is focused on becoming class president and maintaining her social status, but she is also dealing with pressure and anxiety. Even though she tries to act confident, it becomes clear that she is overwhelmed in her own way.

The story does a good job of showing how both girls are misunderstood. Ruby is seen as awkward and invisible, while Mia is seen as controlling or overly focused on popularity. As the plot develops, especially during the class election and the talent show, their unresolved issues come to the surface. The moment when Ruby shares her poem is especially powerful because it reveals her emotions in a way that others cannot ignore.

One of the strongest parts of the book is how it handles anxiety. Both characters experience it differently, but in ways that feel honest and age-appropriate. Ruby’s physical symptoms and Mia’s pressure to succeed highlight how stress can affect people in different ways. The inclusion of supportive adults, especially Ruby’s mother and teacher, adds depth and shows that help is available even when things feel overwhelming.

The format of the book also makes it engaging. The combination of drawings and text helps bring the characters to life and makes the story easy to follow. It is similar in style to books by Raina Telgemeier, which makes it especially appealing to younger readers or those who enjoy graphic novels.

Overall, Remarkably Ruby is a meaningful and accessible story about growing up, dealing with anxiety, and understanding others. It shows that people are more complex than they seem and that friendships can change but still have the potential to heal.