In RUBY AND THE BOOKER BOYS: Trivia Queen, 3rd Grade Supreme, Ruby wants to make a name for herself at Hope Road Academy.  Her older brothers are very popular for various reasons.  Marcellus is multitalented, Tyner is very smart, and Roosevelt is the school prankster.  Trying to find her special little niche is hard at Hope Road Academy.  Her classmates know she can sing, but she wants them to know a little more.  When she learns there is going to be a televised trivia contest on animals at the school, she is elated because she has been studying trivia for the last three years.  The winner will receive season passes to the zoo for their entire grade level.  But, the contest isn’t open to third graders.  As Ruby seeks to raise the consciousness of her teacher and the school’s principle to get them to change the rules to include the third grade, she learns Marcellus and Tyner will be representing their own classes in the contest.  Once the principle decides to allow her to participate, the contest becomes very serious at home, as well as at school.  Which Booker will be the winner?

Derrick Barnes captures the hearts and minds of young readers with the very colorful Ruby Marigold Booker in this second book of the Ruby and the Booker Boys series.  Readers will be able to clearly see how Ruby handles conflict and challenges that are common for this age group.  Barnes cleverly writes to entertain, as well as educate young people.  The illustrations by Vanessa Brantley Newton portray the essence of the characters and continue to be a brilliant addition to this series.   I am looking forward to reading future installments.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers