TL;DR: The One and Only Ruby is the third installment in Katherine Applegate's powerhouse series that started with The One and Only Ivan. It’s a rare "triple threat" in kids' media: it’s a page-turner, it builds massive emotional intelligence, and it has a Disney+ movie tie-in that actually makes kids want to read the book. If you’re looking for a way to pivot your kid from mindless scrolling to meaningful reading without a fight, this is your bridge.
If you haven’t encountered this series yet, you’ve likely seen the covers in every Scholastic book fair or school library for the last decade. It started with Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in a mall (based on a true story, which adds a layer of "wow" for kids). Then came Bob, the scrappy dog. Now, we have The One and Only Ruby, which focuses on the baby elephant we met in the first book.
Ruby is now living at a wildlife sanctuary, but she’s approaching a "coming-of-age" ceremony (an elephant Tuskday). The story flashes back to her life in Africa before she was captured. It deals with loss, the complexity of the wild, and what it means to grow up.
Katherine Applegate writes in "prose poetry" style—short chapters, lots of white space on the page. For a kid who is used to the fast-paced "hit" of TikTok or YouTube Shorts, this format is a godsend. It doesn't feel like a wall of text; it feels manageable.
We talk a lot at Screenwise about "brain rot"—that state where kids are just passively consuming low-effort content that leaves them irritable and overstimulated. The One and Only Ruby is the literal antidote.
It’s not just "a book." It’s an emotional workout. Research consistently shows that reading fiction builds empathy in ways that watching a screen rarely does. When a kid reads Ruby’s internal monologue about missing her mother or feeling out of place, they are practicing "perspective-taking."
In a world where kids are saying "Ohio" is "cringe" and everything is a meme, The One and Only Ruby forces them to slow down and feel something real.
One of the biggest mistakes we make as intentional parents is trying to keep "screens" and "books" in two different silos. The most successful way to get a tech-obsessed kid to read is to use the screen as a gateway drug.
The movie is... fine. Let’s be real: it’s a bit sanitized. It features Bryan Cranston and some very pretty CGI animals. It’s a solid family movie night choice for ages 7+.
The Strategy: Watch the movie together. Then, tell them, "The movie actually left out the best parts of Ruby's backstory. If you want to know what actually happened in Africa, you have to read her book."
If your kid is more of a "dog person" or likes humor, Bob’s book is the bridge between Ivan and Ruby. It’s punchy, funny, and a little more cynical (in a kid-friendly way).
If they finish Ruby and want more, this is the gold standard. Much like Ruby, The Wild Robot explores the intersection of nature and survival. Plus, with the recent movie adaptation, it’s another great "watch then read" opportunity.
Recommended Ages: 8-12 (Grades 3-7)
- Reading Level: The vocabulary is accessible, but the themes are sophisticated. It’s a great "hi-lo" book (high interest, lower reading barrier).
- The "Sadness" Factor: Let's not sugarcoat it—this series deals with animal cruelty and death. Ruby talks about the loss of her mother and the danger of poachers. If you have a highly sensitive child, you might want to read this with them.
- Digital Context: About 65% of 4th and 5th graders we survey have already been exposed to the Ivan series through school. Ruby is the "new" one that many haven't read yet, making it a great gift or "boredom buster."
Look, The One and Only Ruby isn't going to win any awards for being a "happy-go-lucky" romp. It’s heavy. But in 2026, our kids are already seeing heavy stuff on YouTube or hearing about it at school.
The difference is that a book like this provides a safe container for those emotions. It gives them the language to talk about grief and transition.
Also, if you're worried about "agenda" content: the book takes a very clear stance on animal conservation and the ethics of captivity. It’s pro-environment and pro-animal rights. If your family is big on hunting or has different views on zoos, this book will definitely spark some "lively" dinner table debates. (Which, honestly, is better than everyone staring at their phones in silence).
If your kid is reading Ruby, skip the "Did you finish your chapters?" nagging. Try these instead:
- "Ruby talks a lot about her 'old' life vs. her 'new' life. Do you ever feel like a different person when you're at school vs. when you're at home?"
- "The book mentions poachers and some pretty scary stuff in Africa. Did that part make you feel sad or just angry?"
- "If you were an elephant, what would your 'Tuskday' celebration look like?"
Learn more about how to have meaningful conversations about media
The One and Only Ruby is a "must-buy" or "must-borrow." It’s one of those rare pieces of media that respects a child's intelligence and emotional capacity.
In the battle against "brain rot" and the constant pull of Roblox, Ruby is a powerful ally. It reminds kids that the best stories aren't found in a 15-second loop, but in the slow, beautiful unfolding of a character's life.
- Check the School Library: See if they have the first two books so your kid can get the full context.
- Plan a Movie Night: Watch The One and Only Ivan on Disney+ this weekend.
- Sync the Audio: If you have a reluctant reader, get the Audible version. Hearing the story told in Ruby’s voice is a game-changer for car rides.
Ask Screenwise for a personalized reading list based on your kid's favorite games