Review Detail

“Slow Burn” by Bethany Rutter takes readers into the life of Ruby, a sixteen-year-old girl who is plenty happy with her body and who she is, even if others have a problem with it. Even her own brother, who himself used to be heavier, gives her a hard time about her weight. She says she’s not bothered by him, but she still wants to prove to him that she can do anything she puts her mind to, despite his protests to the contrary. Her Physical Education teacher is also of no help, making her feel like she is worthless in terms of athletic ability.

When Ruby decides to enter the 5K Dawson Dash to show her brother that she isn’t the lost cause he claims she is, she finds herself thrown together with an old friend, Ollie, who has moved back to town. He offers to help train her for the dash, which he will participate in himself as well.

Ruby spends time with Ollie, her friends, and her family in this story that shows how no matter who you are, what you do, or what you look like, there can always be someone out there who will put you down, but that doesn’t mean that person’s words carry any weight. Feeling good about who you are and what you stand for outweighs any negativity that anyone can throw at you.