Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea

I purchased this book to use as a read aloud for 4th graders. The reading level is 5.3 according to AR. This book has 10 chapters and several black and white illustrations. Ruby, the main character, is a likable girl who is very interested in science and was named for the cartoonist, Rube Goldberg. I like that many science concepts are brought up, and that it focuses on a female character that is into science. Ruby is a little self centered, but learns with the help of her family and friends how to be a better person. She also has a good heart and is trying to help her grandfather overcome his grief over his pet's death as well as design a project for the science fair. I hope it will inspire my students to design projects for a science fair.

Bought for family friend kids. The story is cute and will get them interested in way things work in different ways.

My class loves this story! I do too!

Age appropriate for 11 year old girl. Story line was not very interesting

I read this book to my six-year-old son while he was home sick over the span of about 3 days. He ADORED it. My only complaint was that my voice was hoarse by the end of the reading, because my son wouldn't let me stop reading.As a mother who happens to also be an engineer, I can't say enough how thrilled I am to see books like this one, with a female protagonist who is unapologetically in love with engineering (although it's never called out specifically as engineering in the book). And even more than that, there is never any questioning of her skills because of her gender, and no mention of it being uncommon among girls. Ruby's best friend is into dance, and that's fine. Ruby's into contraptions and building stuff, and that's fine too. There's a boy, initially a rival but who ends up becoming a friend, who helps Ruby, but it's clearly a collaboration rather than having a boy swoop in to teach her or save the day. This sort of treatment of the topic of girls and STEM subjects is long overdue, and it's done incredibly well in this book.Not to mention, Ruby is just a likeable character and the story is compelling. She has a relatable voice, and the description of her Rube Goldberg contraption fantastic, especially to the inventive mind of a child.My son asks regularly if this book has become a "series" yet, because he wants there to be more stories about Ruby and her contraptions. For now I guess we'll have to just be happy to re-read this again.

I read this book with my 5 year old who LOVES Rube Goldberg machines. It was a blast and it has lots of great lessons, especially how great it is to be considerate and to just say sorry. Can’t wait for the next book (on volcanoes ?)!

This is the perfect book to share with my class as we head into our own science fair. Unfortunately, many of our kids view science fair as a "have to" instead of cool opportunity to explore the world around them.Ruby is persistent and enthusiastic. And the most important thing she learns from her science fair experience, is "how to be a good friend."

Anna is an amazing writer! I love reading her books!