Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion

(Hardback)

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Description

Eleven-year-old Ruby is a Black girl who loves studying insects, much to the grossed-out dismay of her Gramma and the pride of her parents. So when she finds the weirdest insect she's ever seen in her front yard, she makes sure Gramma isn't looking and captures it for further study. But then Ruby realizes that the creature isn't just a rare insect. It's an alien bug. And it has promptly burned a hole through her window and disappeared. Soon things around the neighborhood go missing, and no one's heard from the old lady down the street for a week. Ruby will have to team up her with her rag-tag group of friends to find this new invasive species before the feds do. This delightful middle grade debut is swarming with humor, spunky protagonists, and major Louis Sachar vibes. Ruby is the science hero we've been waiting for!

Reviews

Junior Library Guild Selection
Andre Norton Award for YA and MG Finalist

"A page-turning mix of science, science fiction, and mystery that will empower readers to pursue their own STEM passions." --Kirkus Reviews

"Ruby is a fun, smart, and lovably realistic protagonist, well balanced against the different personalities among her friends. Her strength lies in both her capability and her bonds of family, friendship, and community... An entertaining and highly recommended read, perfect for readers who love science and adventure-mysteries." --Booklist

"Bradford's entertaining and informative tale highlights the value of scientific and critical thinking as well as the importance of friendship and community." --School Library Journal

"I inhaled this book in half a day and LOVED every moment! Amazing scientist heroine, alien bug, adventures--this book has it all." --Yoon Ha Lee, award-winning author of Dragon Pearl

"An action-packed, hilarious, heart-rending story. It is perfect in every way: from Ruby's dedication to science to her incredible friend group. I am personally ready for Ruby Finley to take over the world." --Mark Oshiro, award-winning author of The Insiders and You Only Live Once, David Bravo

Author Bio

K. Tempest Bradford is a science fiction and fantasy writer, writing instructor, media critic, reviewer, and podcaster. Her short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies and magazines. She's the host of ORIGINality, a podcast about the roots of creative genius. Her media criticism and reviews can be found on NPR, io9, and in books about Time Lords. When not writing, she teaches classes on writing inclusive fiction through LitReactor and WritingtheOther.com. ktempestbradford.com