Ruby Redfort: Take Your Last Breath

This is the second in the new series from Lauren Child, which is aimed slightly higher than her previous audiences.  It is also different, in that Ruby is American and the story is set in the USA. Ruby is a secret agent in training with an organization called Spectrum, but is living at home with her parents.  This allows the author to extend the storyline to include coping with school and also parents who appear to be slightly lacking in common sense.  The plot revolves around strange goings on in the sea around Ruby’s home and particularly on the islands known as the Siblings.

Lauren Child has created a truly likeable character in Ruby and one who is quite convincing as an American.  We are used to the reverse process, where an American author writes a story about Britain and there is often a slight grating as the stereotypes take over, however the reverse can also occur.  Luckily this author treats the nationality and location with a light touch and focuses on the characters and the action.  Although Ruby is meant to be thirteen and has a freedom of movement beyond the norm here in the UK,  the books do not include any behaviour or themes that make it unsuitable for younger children.  Given that many 8 to 9-year-olds are reading older teen novels, this is a good option for those with good reading abilities as it is without the plots which give adults concerns.

A lovely surprise of a book, and to be recommended to others.