Meet Ruby and her magic show
Begin with Ruby Lu, Brave and True to meet Ruby’s family, neighborhood club, and larger-than-life confidence.
Book Series · 3 Books
Ruby Lu Books
In order from Ruby Lu, Brave and True to Ruby Lu, Star of the Show.
Three lively illustrated chapter books follow confident Chinese American elementary schooler Ruby Lu through family, school, and the trouble created by her biggest ideas.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Ruby Lu Books
Read the three books in order: Ruby Lu, Brave and True; Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything; and Ruby Lu, Star of the Show. The publisher’s complete collection confirms that this is the full sequence.
Each book covers a new stage of Ruby’s family and school life, so publication order gives the clearest introduction to her brother Oscar, cousin Flying Duck, and the Plum Tree Club.
Sources: Simon & Schuster official three-book series, Simon & Schuster official complete collection.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Ruby is exuberant and impulsive, and her plans sometimes create school or family trouble. The books balance comedy with thoughtful stories about Chinese school, a cousin immigrating from China, a deaf family member, and communicating across languages.
The third book addresses a parent’s job loss and the family’s money worries without offering an unrealistically quick fix. The tone stays hopeful and emphasizes Ruby’s secure, loving family.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$674
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2004
Ruby Lu, Brave and True
By Lenore Look, Anne Wilsdorf (Illustrator)
Ruby's life is magical, until family challenges test her patience.
112 pages· 10,664 words· Est. 2 hour read
5.3/7 Bookroo
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ruby Lu loves her magical life, from performing backyard shows to visiting her grandparents. But when her brother reveals her secrets and her parents impose new rules, Ruby faces unexpected challenges. Can she navigate these hurdles and still find joy in her adventures? Join Ruby on her journey of discovery and see what makes her truly special.
In reading order
Ruby Lu Series
3 books · Published 2004–2011
#1
Sale price
$674
Ruby Lu, Brave and True
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2004
Ruby's life is magical, until family challenges test her patience.
#2
Sale price
$674
Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2006
Ruby navigates a summer of challenges with her deaf cousin and a stray dog. Can she handle it all?
#3
Sale price
$674
Ruby Lu, Star of the Show
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2011
A third-grader tackles family money woes with determination and creativity.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Ruby Lu series?
There are 3 books in the Ruby Lu series. It began with Ruby Lu, Brave and True in 2004, and the newest book, Ruby Lu, Star of the Show, was published in 2011.
What order should you read the Ruby Lu books in?
Start with Ruby Lu, Brave and True and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
What ages are the Ruby Lu books best for?
The series is best for ages 6–10, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Ruby Lu book is the longest?
Ruby Lu, Star of the Show (Book #3) is the longest book in the series at 16,782 words (144 pages).
Which Ruby Lu book is the shortest?
Ruby Lu, Brave and True (Book #1) is the shortest at 10,664 words (112 pages).
The people
The Creatives Behind the Books
The people who bring Ruby Lu to life.
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