Ruby Holler: A Christian Perspective

Ruby Holler is a fictional children’s novel by Sharon Creech published in 2002. Creech became the first American to win the CILIP Carnegie Medal for this book in 2003 (Kurey, 2003).

After being shuffled between the Boxton Creek Home orphanage and foster families several times and being dubbed “trouble twins,” thirteen-year-old Dallas and Florida doubt they will ever get the loving home they yearn for. But when they are adopted by Sairy and Tiller, an eccentric sixty-year-old couple, they begin to see that perhaps there is hope after all.

At first, I wasn’t sure about choosing this book from the library. But the more I read it, the more I enjoyed it. I liked the characters Tiller, Sairy, and the twins. They have unique personalities, fears, and desires that make them feel real.

I liked how the twins’ goals were not the only ones focused on. Most stories I’ve read don’t focus much on the goals and desires of the adults in the children’s lives, so I was happy to see something different. Dallas and Florida’s goal is to get away from all the mean adults by running off, Tiller isn’t keen on fostering the twins, and Sairy’s goal was unique to me; she wants to find out if she will be a different person once she isn’t around Tiller. All of their desires and goals are tested throughout the book.

There were times when I felt sad and angry for Dallas and Florida, but they and the other characters also made me laugh, especially Tiller. I enjoyed the banter between Tiller and Sairy and the exchanges between them and the twins.

One message in the book is that you can’t let negative experiences or cruel people define who you are. Dallas and Florida have been called trouble twins mostly because they are blamed for things that aren’t their fault or punished for simply being kids. In the beginning, the twins accept their identity as trouble twins, and they feel like nothing they do will be good enough for anyone. When Sairy and Tiller take them in, they begin to understand they aren’t what people say they are.

From a Christian perspective, you should never let Satan’s lies define who you are, such as you will never be loved, or you are nothing but what other people say you are. You must remember God’s word and that what He says about us is the truth. You are His child if you have given your life to Him, and you are righteous through the blood of Jesus if you repent. You must renew your mind by reading the bible and spending time with God.

Another message in the book is the importance of demonstrating love and patience with others. Sairy and Tiller are patient and encouraging towards the twins even when they mess up, and they give the twins freedom to grow and be themselves. This helps the twins and their relationship with both Sairy and Tiller. Having love and patience towards others is also something we should do as God’s children.

Florida and Dallas suffer some trauma from their past foster families, which causes them to have problems trusting adults. Florida is always on her guard because she wants to protect Dallas. However, over time, the twins learn to trust others more. But while there is a message of trust, the book also advises caution in who you trust. From a Christian perspective, the only way you can know who to trust for sure is by asking for God’s guidance. We cannot lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

The book has a bit of a melancholy feel while being joyful mostly. 

I was a little annoyed that the main story was interrupted by a subplot. However, that was probably used to build suspense, which worked.

Ruby Holler is a good book. The book jacket says it’s aimed at children 8 to 12, so I recommend it to children in that range. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading stories about orphans finding a loving home.

 

Sources

Kurey, Josette. “Sharon Creech Is the First American Winner of the CILIP Carnegie Medal for Ruby Holler.” HarperCollins, HarperCollins Publishers, 11 July 2003, https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/press-releases/sharon-creech-is-the-first-american-winner-of-the-cilip-carnegie-medal-for-ruby-holler.