The One and Only Ruby

Who doesn't love this series???  Katherine Applegate hit a homerun with Ivan, followed it up beautifully with Bob's story, and now tells Ruby's, the baby elephant's, story.  They live in their new home and are missing Stella.  Ruby's new elephant family can not wait to celebrate her tusking day.  But Ruby is scared and confused and doesn't want to celebrate the things that got her mother and other elephants in Africa killed.  Her origin story is beautifully told.  When Ruby is told what the ceremony means - an acceptance of your place in the herd and an acknowledgement of some rules to live by, she is relieved and eager to mark this stage of her life.  I think this would be a perfect One School -One Book read aloud.  (FIC APP)