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Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion
A backyard adventure-mystery.
Eleven-year-old Ruby is a Black girl who loves studying insects and would do just about anything to be an entomologist, much to the grossed-out dismay of her Gramma. Ruby knows everything there is to know about insects so when she finds the weirdest bug she's ever seen in her front yard, she makes sure no one is looking and captures it for further study.
But then Ruby realizes that the creature isn't just a regular bug. And it has promptly burned a hole through her window and disappeared. Soon, random things around the neighborhood go missing, and no one's heard from the old lady down the street for a week. Ruby and her friends will have to recover the strange bug before the feds do.
Ruby is the science hero we've all been waiting for!
Eleven-year-old Ruby is a Black girl who loves studying insects and would do just about anything to be an entomologist, much to the grossed-out dismay of her Gramma. Ruby knows everything there is to know about insects so when she finds the weirdest bug she's ever seen in her front yard, she makes sure no one is looking and captures it for further study.
But then Ruby realizes that the creature isn't just a regular bug. And it has promptly burned a hole through her window and disappeared. Soon, random things around the neighborhood go missing, and no one's heard from the old lady down the street for a week. Ruby and her friends will have to recover the strange bug before the feds do.
Ruby is the science hero we've all been waiting for!
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2022
About the author
K. Tempest Bradford
26 books136 followersK. Tempest Bradford is an award-winning teacher, media critic, and author of fantasy and science fiction steeped in Black Girl Magic. Her debut middle grade novel Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion will be out in September 2022 from FSG for Young Readers.
Tempest’s short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies and magazines, including In The Shadow of the Towers and Strange Horizons. Her media criticism and essays on diversity and representation have been published at NPR, io9, Ebony Magazine, and more.
She teaches classes and gives talks on representation and creating diverse narratives for Writing the Other and has been invited to teach at Clarion West, LitReactor, universities, and entertainment companies.
She’s the recipient of the 2020 LOCUS Special Award for Inclusivity and Representation Education and the 2022 Lemonade Award. She’s been nominated for FIYAH Magazine‘s IGNYTE Community and Ember Awards.
Tempest’s short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies and magazines, including In The Shadow of the Towers and Strange Horizons. Her media criticism and essays on diversity and representation have been published at NPR, io9, Ebony Magazine, and more.
She teaches classes and gives talks on representation and creating diverse narratives for Writing the Other and has been invited to teach at Clarion West, LitReactor, universities, and entertainment companies.
She’s the recipient of the 2020 LOCUS Special Award for Inclusivity and Representation Education and the 2022 Lemonade Award. She’s been nominated for FIYAH Magazine‘s IGNYTE Community and Ember Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 17, 2022
I wish so much that this book had been around when I was a bug-obsessed kid biking around the neighborhood with my friends! It’s an awesome middle grade sci-fi story filled with friendship, scientific thinking and mystery. As an adult reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Ruby is a well rounded, clever, relatable main character, surrounded by a diverse and lovable group friends, family and neighbors. The plot keeps the pages turning, while also being manageable enough for young readers. Ruby continually thinks like a scientist to deal with the problems she faces, and she learns to ask for help when she needs it.
I won’t say anything about the interstellar invasion, as you’ll have to read it yourself to find out! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I hope Tempest writes more middle grade 💛
Ruby is a well rounded, clever, relatable main character, surrounded by a diverse and lovable group friends, family and neighbors. The plot keeps the pages turning, while also being manageable enough for young readers. Ruby continually thinks like a scientist to deal with the problems she faces, and she learns to ask for help when she needs it.
I won’t say anything about the interstellar invasion, as you’ll have to read it yourself to find out! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I hope Tempest writes more middle grade 💛
March 14, 2024
“Scientists don’t always look the way we expect.”
I’m so happy this book exists!! I related to Ruby on so many levels and can’t wait for more young entomologists to find this story.
I’m so happy this book exists!! I related to Ruby on so many levels and can’t wait for more young entomologists to find this story.
October 5, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed. A range of smart kids, all smart in different ways. A great investigation and a really nice portrayal of how a community works (and doesn't work). Particularly effective in the ways it depicts the racism that Ruby encounters and the modelling and push back her parents engage in.
My only complaint is that the solution is given away in the title.
My only complaint is that the solution is given away in the title.
April 2, 2023
I read this work for Norton Award consideration, and I found it to be a fun read! Though it felt a bit slow to get going, I really loved Ruby, her family, and the tight-knit neighborhood children. There was a wonderful sense of community. The interstellar invasion delivered some nice surprises in the end, too.
November 3, 2023
This was so much fun. I loved the emphasis on science, but not the usual STEM stuff that we see like coding or engineering or catch-all ‘I’m tinkering in my lab’ stuff. I’m all for STEM learning, however, most of the framing is low-key just about future job opportunities.
Middle grade books about girls in STEM/science have been on the upswing for a few years now. And while there is a deficit in tech when it comes to women, women of color especially, I think it's important to encourage scientific interest because girls are pushed out of it when they already have an interest or are discouraged from developing one. We shouldn’t be pushing girls into it purely to pad their hypothetical resumes.
I really enjoyed reading about a girl who loves a science that has extremely limited practical application. It’s for the love of bugs and nothing more.
The mystery was well done. I was never quite sure what was going on until it all came together. It’s not the kind of puzzly, riddlesome mystery you could logic out on your own. It’s the kind where strange things are occurring and you are along for the ride as Ruby figures it out.
I liked that Ruby used science as the basis for her investigation. It made sense for her character while also weaving in some educational principles for a reader to subliminally absorb. I liked the subtle way that K. Tempest Bradford wove in the way the deck is stacked against Black girls before they are even old enough to comprehend the obstacle. Ruby’s science teacher has doubts about Ruby’s ability to conduct a science fair project she deems ‘beyond her capabilities’. The problem, of course, is that the teachers’ idea of Ruby’s capabilities is skewed by the teachers’ bias against her.
I credit Bradford for not explicitly stating that the teacher is racist. In this way she more accurately depicted how racism is more likely to manifest in the average persons’ life. Flagrantly racist stuff still happens such as penalizing Black children for Black hairstyles in schools. But, the silent killer is the stuff you come to realize is racist that you can’t possibly prove. Why that one person everyone says is so nice doesn’t like you, why whenever you go up for a promotion despite being the best person for the job somehow somehow someone less qualified keeps getting it, why when you’re sharing a negative experience with a cashier to the manager the manager might tell you not to get upset even though you were perfectly calm - the list goes on and on.
Long story short, Bradford didn’t have to state the teacher was racist to make it clear she was. I wager most Black people will understand intuitively why the teacher was acting off without the confirmation.
What I most appreciate is that it preserves the innocence of the child - Ruby is not made aware of the racism and her father doesn’t tell her though he absolutely picks up on it. Racism is everywhere, all of the time. Black kids routinely have to grow up faster than white kids do yet so many Black middle grade books have to have a racial injustice spin just to get published. I like that this book was able to include racism in a way that does not necessarily risk popping the escapist bubble for a Black kid: it’s vague enough to fly under the radar on the assumption that the teacher is simply being belligerent. I like that Ruby as a character was not forced to contend with racism so young and her father was able to protect her a bit longer.
Ruby has a slew of friends who have little bearing on any events most of the book only to randomly be presented as this stronghold towards the end when confronting the bug. There were too many for all of them to be expanded on and even her cousin who she was closest to did not spend enough time with her to feel like more than a casual neighborhood friend. Each had a special thing to help you remember them, but that felt like a shortcut to actual development. It was particularly noticeable with Mason who Ruby makes a point of saying she tries to go out of her way to include because she’s a recent addition to the group only for Ruby to barely interact with her again the entire book. For someone she was trying to actively maintain a relationship with, couldn’t they have had a single one on one hang out to support this claim?
There is a plot thread about Ruby lying that is left on a weird note. Ruby resolves to never lie to her parents again yet she doesn’t ever have to own up to the big lie that inspired this newfound vow. It’s very convenient to set the standard for a later point in time that as the reader we will never see. It’s not like they wouldn’t believe her based on the events that just occurred. It would have been a good show of her taking responsibility and growing if she fessed up without needing to. It also would have been nice if the lying could have negatively affected the mystery to thematically tie it all together. She arguably had to lie to continue the investigation and assist in a solution so the lying to her parents was separate from a general lying problem and the legitimate issues associated with lying. I don’t think Ruby’s takeaway would be ‘lying is wrong’ by the end of this considering why she had to lie in the first place.
All in all, a great book. I had a great time, I learned some science (still hate bugs though) I would absolutely recommend.
Middle grade books about girls in STEM/science have been on the upswing for a few years now. And while there is a deficit in tech when it comes to women, women of color especially, I think it's important to encourage scientific interest because girls are pushed out of it when they already have an interest or are discouraged from developing one. We shouldn’t be pushing girls into it purely to pad their hypothetical resumes.
I really enjoyed reading about a girl who loves a science that has extremely limited practical application. It’s for the love of bugs and nothing more.
The mystery was well done. I was never quite sure what was going on until it all came together. It’s not the kind of puzzly, riddlesome mystery you could logic out on your own. It’s the kind where strange things are occurring and you are along for the ride as Ruby figures it out.
I liked that Ruby used science as the basis for her investigation. It made sense for her character while also weaving in some educational principles for a reader to subliminally absorb. I liked the subtle way that K. Tempest Bradford wove in the way the deck is stacked against Black girls before they are even old enough to comprehend the obstacle. Ruby’s science teacher has doubts about Ruby’s ability to conduct a science fair project she deems ‘beyond her capabilities’. The problem, of course, is that the teachers’ idea of Ruby’s capabilities is skewed by the teachers’ bias against her.
I credit Bradford for not explicitly stating that the teacher is racist. In this way she more accurately depicted how racism is more likely to manifest in the average persons’ life. Flagrantly racist stuff still happens such as penalizing Black children for Black hairstyles in schools. But, the silent killer is the stuff you come to realize is racist that you can’t possibly prove. Why that one person everyone says is so nice doesn’t like you, why whenever you go up for a promotion despite being the best person for the job somehow somehow someone less qualified keeps getting it, why when you’re sharing a negative experience with a cashier to the manager the manager might tell you not to get upset even though you were perfectly calm - the list goes on and on.
Long story short, Bradford didn’t have to state the teacher was racist to make it clear she was. I wager most Black people will understand intuitively why the teacher was acting off without the confirmation.
What I most appreciate is that it preserves the innocence of the child - Ruby is not made aware of the racism and her father doesn’t tell her though he absolutely picks up on it. Racism is everywhere, all of the time. Black kids routinely have to grow up faster than white kids do yet so many Black middle grade books have to have a racial injustice spin just to get published. I like that this book was able to include racism in a way that does not necessarily risk popping the escapist bubble for a Black kid: it’s vague enough to fly under the radar on the assumption that the teacher is simply being belligerent. I like that Ruby as a character was not forced to contend with racism so young and her father was able to protect her a bit longer.
Ruby has a slew of friends who have little bearing on any events most of the book only to randomly be presented as this stronghold towards the end when confronting the bug. There were too many for all of them to be expanded on and even her cousin who she was closest to did not spend enough time with her to feel like more than a casual neighborhood friend. Each had a special thing to help you remember them, but that felt like a shortcut to actual development. It was particularly noticeable with Mason who Ruby makes a point of saying she tries to go out of her way to include because she’s a recent addition to the group only for Ruby to barely interact with her again the entire book. For someone she was trying to actively maintain a relationship with, couldn’t they have had a single one on one hang out to support this claim?
There is a plot thread about Ruby lying that is left on a weird note. Ruby resolves to never lie to her parents again yet she doesn’t ever have to own up to the big lie that inspired this newfound vow. It’s very convenient to set the standard for a later point in time that as the reader we will never see. It’s not like they wouldn’t believe her based on the events that just occurred. It would have been a good show of her taking responsibility and growing if she fessed up without needing to. It also would have been nice if the lying could have negatively affected the mystery to thematically tie it all together. She arguably had to lie to continue the investigation and assist in a solution so the lying to her parents was separate from a general lying problem and the legitimate issues associated with lying. I don’t think Ruby’s takeaway would be ‘lying is wrong’ by the end of this considering why she had to lie in the first place.
All in all, a great book. I had a great time, I learned some science (still hate bugs though) I would absolutely recommend.
October 18, 2022
First sentence: Ruby loved bugs. She loved the cool-looking ones and the creepy ones and the pretty ones and the huge ones. The ones with six legs and eight legs and a thousand legs and no legs. She loved looking at them and talking about them and learning about them and picking them up. That last one was usually what got her in trouble.
Premise/plot: Ruby Finley, our protagonist, loves bugs and science. When her unidentifiable find--a bug, of course--brings the "G Men" (government men in suits) to her neighborhood, she doesn't quite know what to think. It's strange, strange, and super-strange. But, they leave claiming that the "assassin bug" has been found and collected. But in the weeks that follow, strange things keep occurring in her neighborhood/community. And Ruby and her friends soon start investigating these strange happenings. But this curiosity could lead to great danger....or great friendship....or maybe a bit of both.
My thoughts: The Interstellar Invasion of the title gives a bit of the plot away. Still the "alien" elements of this story are long in coming. Don't expect alien action from chapter two--or even chapter three. Most of the book is just Ruby living her life--loving science, loving her friends, struggling with rules and restrictions. If you come with the right expectations--a science-loving girl working on a science project and hanging out with friends--then this one is an enjoyable [enough] read. (Perhaps readers who share Ruby's interest in bugs will be even more excited.)
I don't know if the book is setting up for a series or if it's a stand-alone.
Premise/plot: Ruby Finley, our protagonist, loves bugs and science. When her unidentifiable find--a bug, of course--brings the "G Men" (government men in suits) to her neighborhood, she doesn't quite know what to think. It's strange, strange, and super-strange. But, they leave claiming that the "assassin bug" has been found and collected. But in the weeks that follow, strange things keep occurring in her neighborhood/community. And Ruby and her friends soon start investigating these strange happenings. But this curiosity could lead to great danger....or great friendship....or maybe a bit of both.
My thoughts: The Interstellar Invasion of the title gives a bit of the plot away. Still the "alien" elements of this story are long in coming. Don't expect alien action from chapter two--or even chapter three. Most of the book is just Ruby living her life--loving science, loving her friends, struggling with rules and restrictions. If you come with the right expectations--a science-loving girl working on a science project and hanging out with friends--then this one is an enjoyable [enough] read. (Perhaps readers who share Ruby's interest in bugs will be even more excited.)
I don't know if the book is setting up for a series or if it's a stand-alone.
December 26, 2023
Me: This book is adorable. Ruby and her friends and her Grandma and parents and cousins and the rest of her community are great. The adventure Ruby and her friends have is fun. And the light-handed but distinct way race and black community are woven through the story is beautiful.
Family audiobook listen - well narrated!
8 year old: liked how the .
11 year old: liked it, but thought it was pretty predictable
50 year old: reality wasn’t the expected story, turned at the end and was surprising; it was good! Thought the undercurrents of a black neighborhood interacting with white folks (community members, teachers, police) was interesting.
Family audiobook listen - well narrated!
8 year old: liked how the .
11 year old: liked it, but thought it was pretty predictable
50 year old: reality wasn’t the expected story, turned at the end and was surprising; it was good! Thought the undercurrents of a black neighborhood interacting with white folks (community members, teachers, police) was interesting.
June 13, 2023
I loved Ruby Finley vs the Interstellar Invasion! Bug girls are awesome 🐝. Ruby and her friends must conduct a scientific investigation to save their neighborhood from a very dangerous and possibly extraterrestrial bug.
August 1, 2023
One of the most enjoyable middle grade books I've read in years! Ruby is a relatable and inspiring protagonist, whip-smart as well as empathic and thoughtful. And the background of family and community taking care of each other is uplifting and deftly executed. Recommended for both young and n0t-so-young readers!
June 12, 2023
Ruby is an 11-year-old future entomologist who loves studying insects and playing video games with her neighborhood friends. When she sees a strange bug in her bedroom and shares a picture of it on social media, suspicious agents appear at her door to re-capture the now missing insect. Soon, all the metal in her neighborhood begins to disappear as Ruby and her friends realize there’s more to the strange bug. This was a lot of fun and will appeal to fans of STEM stories and books about robots. There was just too much disbelief suspension for me, but kids will love it.
September 9, 2022
Black Girl Stem magic in a fun sci-fi mystery
Eleven-year-old Ruby Finley loves bugs. So when the strangest one she’s ever seen appears in her front yard, of course she grabs a mason jar from under the porch (stored for just such occasions) and collects the specimen, screwing the lid on tight.
After posting a photo to Twitter to ask for help identifying the bug, Ruby dives into internet research. When a strange noise draws her attention, the bug is melting the window screen to make its get-away. The abandoned jar, lid still on, sports a round, smooth hole in its side.
Soon, a bunch of white men in dark glasses and suits descend on the house, eager to talk to Ruby. These self-described “agents” (Gramma calls them G-men) shut down surrounding streets and search the neighborhood. But the bug has vanished, just like Ruby’s tweet.
When random items disappear from the neighborhood—including the elderly recluse known as Witchypoo—Ruby can’t help wondering if the mysterious bug is involved. What in the world is it? Where is it? What does it want? Is it dangerous? Can Ruby use the scientific method to find answers?
Readers will enjoy getting to know smart, funny Ruby, her crew and the extended family and friends who make up their diverse, tight-knit community. (Debut author K. Tempest Bradford has created a neighborhood vibe that feels so real and welcoming, I want to go to a BBQ or potluck there.) The community’s support for Ruby is a nice counterpoint to the grumpy, white science teacher who doubts Ruby’s abilities and insists she abandon her bee-keeping project for something easier. Ruby’s response is empowering and inspiring.
This is a fun, sci-fi romp, with surprise twists that are bizarre and perfect. It’s also a heartfelt and inspiring story celebrating a gifted, brave, and determined Black girl and the power of family, friends and community.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I only post about books that I finished and enjoyed.
Eleven-year-old Ruby Finley loves bugs. So when the strangest one she’s ever seen appears in her front yard, of course she grabs a mason jar from under the porch (stored for just such occasions) and collects the specimen, screwing the lid on tight.
After posting a photo to Twitter to ask for help identifying the bug, Ruby dives into internet research. When a strange noise draws her attention, the bug is melting the window screen to make its get-away. The abandoned jar, lid still on, sports a round, smooth hole in its side.
Soon, a bunch of white men in dark glasses and suits descend on the house, eager to talk to Ruby. These self-described “agents” (Gramma calls them G-men) shut down surrounding streets and search the neighborhood. But the bug has vanished, just like Ruby’s tweet.
When random items disappear from the neighborhood—including the elderly recluse known as Witchypoo—Ruby can’t help wondering if the mysterious bug is involved. What in the world is it? Where is it? What does it want? Is it dangerous? Can Ruby use the scientific method to find answers?
Readers will enjoy getting to know smart, funny Ruby, her crew and the extended family and friends who make up their diverse, tight-knit community. (Debut author K. Tempest Bradford has created a neighborhood vibe that feels so real and welcoming, I want to go to a BBQ or potluck there.) The community’s support for Ruby is a nice counterpoint to the grumpy, white science teacher who doubts Ruby’s abilities and insists she abandon her bee-keeping project for something easier. Ruby’s response is empowering and inspiring.
This is a fun, sci-fi romp, with surprise twists that are bizarre and perfect. It’s also a heartfelt and inspiring story celebrating a gifted, brave, and determined Black girl and the power of family, friends and community.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I only post about books that I finished and enjoyed.
February 12, 2023
I’m five times older than the target audience for this middle-grade science fiction mystery and loved it anyway. Ruby is a fascinating budding scientist faced with a strange bug, scary situations, Men In Black, and skeptical adults, and navigates the situation with the help of her science skills and middle school buddies. I would love to see more of Ruby in the future.
January 23, 2023
Ruby Finley is the science-loving future entomologist I hope to read more books about. This smart tween is exploring her yard when she spots a red bug and traps it in a mason jar so she can identify it. After she takes a photo that she posts in entomologist group on Twitter, the “bug” escapes by cutting a hole in the mason jar and the screen of Ruby’s bedroom window.
Ruby realizes this is no ordinary flying beetle. Shortly after posting the photo, government agents show up knocking on her parents' door and their neighbors’. Since Ruby isn't permitted on Twitter (just the entomology group forum,) her parents ground her from all her devices. Mysteriously, her photo of the insect disappeared from Twitter and the iPad she took the photo with.
In Ruby Finley Vs. The Interstellar Invasion, Ruby contends with tracking down the mysterious insect, trying to figure out why a grumpy neighbor seems to have disappeared, and who is taking metal from the playground equipment.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is Ruby’s neighborhood and her friends and teachers who are a wondering mix of characters. K. Tempest Bradford does an amazing job capturing Ruby’s voice and the voices of her friends and the multi-generational cast. Even though the book focuses on Ruby, all the characters shine especially at the end of the book when the neighborhood comes together.
I just loved all the details from grandma's pleas of "lord, this child" to Ruby applying colored powder (just like a professional entomologist) on the bees to be able to see which groups of bees in different hives go and to see if she can train them to visit specific locations near their hives.
Ruby also must figure out how to deal with a middle school science teacher who thinks that Ruby's science project was "too ambitious," even though Ruby researched every aspect of her proposal and could speak with authority on the topic. While not the main story, my investment in the outcome of this obstacle and my desire to see how Ruby navigated microaggressions from a teacher who made racist assumptions about Ruby's intellectual abilities because she is Black. My investment in the outcome of these short scenes (and I was already on board for this novel because of the mysterious bug and Ruby and her friends) is a great example of the skills K. Tempest Bradford wields when it comes to crafting a compelling story.
When Ruby finally locates the mysterious insect and discovers that it is a visitor from another solar system, Ruby has to figure out what to do. And the answer may surprise you and the important lessons Ruby learns will stick with you. (I'm not revealing those because of spoilers.)
Ruby is adorable, compelling fun and it might make you like bugs, especially beetles and bees.
Confession: I craved this book since Tempest announced that she sold it to the publisher and then I saw the cover. My father was an entomologist. The colored powder reminded me of summers spent near mountain streams as my dad sprinkled neon red powder on riffle beetles. I love seeing tween girl grooving on science, especially bugs! 💛🐝.
Ruby realizes this is no ordinary flying beetle. Shortly after posting the photo, government agents show up knocking on her parents' door and their neighbors’. Since Ruby isn't permitted on Twitter (just the entomology group forum,) her parents ground her from all her devices. Mysteriously, her photo of the insect disappeared from Twitter and the iPad she took the photo with.
In Ruby Finley Vs. The Interstellar Invasion, Ruby contends with tracking down the mysterious insect, trying to figure out why a grumpy neighbor seems to have disappeared, and who is taking metal from the playground equipment.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is Ruby’s neighborhood and her friends and teachers who are a wondering mix of characters. K. Tempest Bradford does an amazing job capturing Ruby’s voice and the voices of her friends and the multi-generational cast. Even though the book focuses on Ruby, all the characters shine especially at the end of the book when the neighborhood comes together.
I just loved all the details from grandma's pleas of "lord, this child" to Ruby applying colored powder (just like a professional entomologist) on the bees to be able to see which groups of bees in different hives go and to see if she can train them to visit specific locations near their hives.
Ruby also must figure out how to deal with a middle school science teacher who thinks that Ruby's science project was "too ambitious," even though Ruby researched every aspect of her proposal and could speak with authority on the topic. While not the main story, my investment in the outcome of this obstacle and my desire to see how Ruby navigated microaggressions from a teacher who made racist assumptions about Ruby's intellectual abilities because she is Black. My investment in the outcome of these short scenes (and I was already on board for this novel because of the mysterious bug and Ruby and her friends) is a great example of the skills K. Tempest Bradford wields when it comes to crafting a compelling story.
When Ruby finally locates the mysterious insect and discovers that it is a visitor from another solar system, Ruby has to figure out what to do. And the answer may surprise you and the important lessons Ruby learns will stick with you. (I'm not revealing those because of spoilers.)
Ruby is adorable, compelling fun and it might make you like bugs, especially beetles and bees.
Confession: I craved this book since Tempest announced that she sold it to the publisher and then I saw the cover. My father was an entomologist. The colored powder reminded me of summers spent near mountain streams as my dad sprinkled neon red powder on riffle beetles. I love seeing tween girl grooving on science, especially bugs! 💛🐝.
January 9, 2023
RATING:
3 STARS
I discovered K. Tempest Bradford’s Ruby Finley vs the Interstellar Invasion via social media, and I’m so happy I did.
Ruby Finley is a whip-smart kid, and her dream is to be an entomologist (or scientist who studies bugs) when she grows up. When she discovers a bug that she’s never seen before, she takes it home in a jar to study. However, after things start disappearing from the neighborhood and strange men in suits show up looking for the bug, she quickly realizes it's even more special than she thought.
The mystery element of this book was fun. Ruby and her friends try their best to determine what’s going on in their neighborhood and hunt down the bug once they figure out it's the culprit. I also liked the different sci-fi elements that were incorporated with the bug (I can’t really directly reference them without spoiling that aspect of the book). One issue I had with the overall book was the title and the cover - it kind of spoils the main action of the story and makes it obvious what Ruby and her friends will be facing. However, I realize that I’m much older than the target audience for the book so middle-grade readers might not make that connection or be as bothered by it as I am.
I also want to note how much I appreciated how the community came together at the end of the book. I particularly liked Ruby’s parents, who were excellent role models and stood up for her with the unfair treatment and racism she was experiencing in school. No one should ever imply that a child is not smart enough to do a project (and honestly, most parents end up helping their kid with science fair presentations to some small degree). Prospective readers should also be aware that Channie Waites did a good job bringing the story to life with her performance in the audiobook narration.
TL: DR; Middle-grade science fiction readers who enjoy mystery and some STEM elements will find themselves immersed in Ms. Bradford’s story. It’s a diverse, empowering read that focuses on the importance of believing in yourself as well as your family, friends, and community. If you= like Kwame Mbalia’s Tristan Strong or B.B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers you will undoubtedly enjoy this action-packed sci-fi adventure.
I discovered K. Tempest Bradford’s Ruby Finley vs the Interstellar Invasion via social media, and I’m so happy I did.
Ruby Finley is a whip-smart kid, and her dream is to be an entomologist (or scientist who studies bugs) when she grows up. When she discovers a bug that she’s never seen before, she takes it home in a jar to study. However, after things start disappearing from the neighborhood and strange men in suits show up looking for the bug, she quickly realizes it's even more special than she thought.
The mystery element of this book was fun. Ruby and her friends try their best to determine what’s going on in their neighborhood and hunt down the bug once they figure out it's the culprit. I also liked the different sci-fi elements that were incorporated with the bug (I can’t really directly reference them without spoiling that aspect of the book). One issue I had with the overall book was the title and the cover - it kind of spoils the main action of the story and makes it obvious what Ruby and her friends will be facing. However, I realize that I’m much older than the target audience for the book so middle-grade readers might not make that connection or be as bothered by it as I am.
I also want to note how much I appreciated how the community came together at the end of the book. I particularly liked Ruby’s parents, who were excellent role models and stood up for her with the unfair treatment and racism she was experiencing in school. No one should ever imply that a child is not smart enough to do a project (and honestly, most parents end up helping their kid with science fair presentations to some small degree). Prospective readers should also be aware that Channie Waites did a good job bringing the story to life with her performance in the audiobook narration.
TL: DR; Middle-grade science fiction readers who enjoy mystery and some STEM elements will find themselves immersed in Ms. Bradford’s story. It’s a diverse, empowering read that focuses on the importance of believing in yourself as well as your family, friends, and community. If you= like Kwame Mbalia’s Tristan Strong or B.B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers you will undoubtedly enjoy this action-packed sci-fi adventure.
March 22, 2023
What a fantastic read. I read this aloud to my seven year old daughter, who requested that I rate it ten stars out of five and asked if we can preorder the next Ruby Finley book.
Ruby, an eleven year old entomologist, finds an unidentifiable bug in her neighborhood, which leads to a big adventure for her and her friends. After she tweets a picture of the bug using her forbidden Twitter account, men from the government show up looking for it.
But weird bugs aren’t the only problem. Ruby is a Black girl whose white science teacher thinks her science project about bees is too ambitious. Ruby has been working on this project all summer, and she’s not about to pick one of the easy projects Mrs Bailey insists on, leading to a trip to the principal’s office. (My daughter announced that Mrs Bailey was the bad guy, and she’s not wrong.) And on top of that, something strange is going on at the weird old lady’s house on the block (the kids call her Witchypoo).
I’m not going to spoil the ending, but Ruby learns a lot about not judging people (or bugs) too quickly. She and her friends are a realistic group of kids with squabbles and differences, but they care about each other and work out their differences. The tension as the improbable events escalate is fantastic, with plenty of laugh-out-loud passages, but running throughout the book is a glimpse of what it’s like growing up as a Black girl scientist in the US. A new experience for me was that white is not the default here. If a character is Black, Bradford says so, but she also tells you when characters are white. It’s eye-opening for me to realize how unusual that is, and it’s the way it should be. Bradford also gently explores the mostly non-white neighborhood’s relationship to the police through Ruby’s dad’s involvement with the community organization, and discussions about when to involve the police while these crazy events escalate.
The twist at the end makes us hopeful that there are more Ruby adventures on the way.
Ruby, an eleven year old entomologist, finds an unidentifiable bug in her neighborhood, which leads to a big adventure for her and her friends. After she tweets a picture of the bug using her forbidden Twitter account, men from the government show up looking for it.
But weird bugs aren’t the only problem. Ruby is a Black girl whose white science teacher thinks her science project about bees is too ambitious. Ruby has been working on this project all summer, and she’s not about to pick one of the easy projects Mrs Bailey insists on, leading to a trip to the principal’s office. (My daughter announced that Mrs Bailey was the bad guy, and she’s not wrong.) And on top of that, something strange is going on at the weird old lady’s house on the block (the kids call her Witchypoo).
I’m not going to spoil the ending, but Ruby learns a lot about not judging people (or bugs) too quickly. She and her friends are a realistic group of kids with squabbles and differences, but they care about each other and work out their differences. The tension as the improbable events escalate is fantastic, with plenty of laugh-out-loud passages, but running throughout the book is a glimpse of what it’s like growing up as a Black girl scientist in the US. A new experience for me was that white is not the default here. If a character is Black, Bradford says so, but she also tells you when characters are white. It’s eye-opening for me to realize how unusual that is, and it’s the way it should be. Bradford also gently explores the mostly non-white neighborhood’s relationship to the police through Ruby’s dad’s involvement with the community organization, and discussions about when to involve the police while these crazy events escalate.
The twist at the end makes us hopeful that there are more Ruby adventures on the way.
September 19, 2022
Ruby loves bugs. Bugs of all kinds. She often catches them and keeps them in mason jars (I assume with a couple of holes in the lid) in her bedroom which freaks out her grandmother to no end. One day she seems a really cool bug. Like, unidentifiable, which is the coolest kind of all. She catches it, posts a picture on Twitter, and is looking it up when she notices–it’s gone. It got out of the jar. There’s now a small round hole just the size of the bug in the glass. And she sees it at the window, boring a similar smooth hole in the screen as it escapes. Um, what kind of bug can make holes in glass and metal? Before she has much time to ponder, several cars pull up and a team straight out of Men in Black shows up, wanting to know everything about the bug picture Ruby posted (which is now gone from Twitter). The G-man (as her mother calls them) comb the entire neighborhood for days, looking for the bug. They even go into the scary house owned by Witchypoo (obviously not her name but what everyone calls her) and her terrifying unchained dogs. Eventually they announce they found it and the search is over.
But a few days later Ruby notices that neither Witchypoo nor her dogs have been around at all, which is super weird. Ruby and her friends investigate, which take them on an adventure where they learn the truth about the strange bug, and they learn some interesting lessons along the way. A twist is given away in the title so I’ll mention it here as well–the bug is actually an alien. And it’s funny to have a book very grounded in entomology also be about aliens. The kids learn about cooperation and communication and not judging by appearances and asking for help. The second half of the book was a really exciting adventure and impossible to put down at that point. Kids do not have to be interested in bugs or even science to like this story about Ruby, a determined little girl who wants to learn and have fun.
But a few days later Ruby notices that neither Witchypoo nor her dogs have been around at all, which is super weird. Ruby and her friends investigate, which take them on an adventure where they learn the truth about the strange bug, and they learn some interesting lessons along the way. A twist is given away in the title so I’ll mention it here as well–the bug is actually an alien. And it’s funny to have a book very grounded in entomology also be about aliens. The kids learn about cooperation and communication and not judging by appearances and asking for help. The second half of the book was a really exciting adventure and impossible to put down at that point. Kids do not have to be interested in bugs or even science to like this story about Ruby, a determined little girl who wants to learn and have fun.
February 21, 2023
When Ruby finds a new species of bug, she doesn't think that it's trouble. When the bug disappears, and government agents show up at her house, she starts to wonder. When metal is stolen from all over the neighborhood and the bug gets bigger and bigger, she knows it's time to save the world.
Or is it?
There's a point near the end of this novel where one of the G-men that are overrunning Ruby's neighborhood says that finding an alien doesn't necessarily mean it's an "invader." But when you put the word "invasion" in the title of your novel, it sure as hell better mean that - and in this case, it does not. There is no Ruby versus an interstellar invasion in this novel. More like - as we said as we started reading out loud each night - Ruby contemplates the possibility of an invasion while nothing much happens. The narrative of the book leads to a lot of talking and very little action.
I'd been looking forward to reading this one, especially after being burnt by another juvenile invasion/end of the world book, It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit. In that book, the world does not end; in this one, there is no invasion.
Except, that is, the invasion of the government agents. My daughter called it right at the end of the novel - in a lot of ways, it's a book about consent. The "G-men" have no right to be where they are; frankly neither does the alien (gotta talk to Harper about that part). But that does seem to be what Ruby learns about, whether the book earns that conclusion or not. Given that I'm now reconsidering that book based on whether or not the "invader" has asked to be where they are... I'm thinking the book does not earn it.
Let down. I also found that the prose didn't flow while reading aloud.
Or is it?
There's a point near the end of this novel where one of the G-men that are overrunning Ruby's neighborhood says that finding an alien doesn't necessarily mean it's an "invader." But when you put the word "invasion" in the title of your novel, it sure as hell better mean that - and in this case, it does not. There is no Ruby versus an interstellar invasion in this novel. More like - as we said as we started reading out loud each night - Ruby contemplates the possibility of an invasion while nothing much happens. The narrative of the book leads to a lot of talking and very little action.
I'd been looking forward to reading this one, especially after being burnt by another juvenile invasion/end of the world book, It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit. In that book, the world does not end; in this one, there is no invasion.
Except, that is, the invasion of the government agents. My daughter called it right at the end of the novel - in a lot of ways, it's a book about consent. The "G-men" have no right to be where they are; frankly neither does the alien (gotta talk to Harper about that part). But that does seem to be what Ruby learns about, whether the book earns that conclusion or not. Given that I'm now reconsidering that book based on whether or not the "invader" has asked to be where they are... I'm thinking the book does not earn it.
Let down. I also found that the prose didn't flow while reading aloud.
May 17, 2023
Extremely quick, snappy read, which takes off at breakneck pace, and doesn’t slow down until the end!!
I love the use of the scientific method, the way that main character Ruby used science and a love of insects to understand what was going on. I ADORE a “misunderstood” villain trope. And weaving in real world issues into a sci-fi alien invasion story was awesome!! Racist teachers assuming trouble, communities coming together to look out for one another…
My only issue, and the only reason I took away a star is the frequency in which conspiracy theorists are shown to be positive. In a day and age of QANON folks trying to destabilize the government, it feels uncomfortable to read about how the white conspiracy theorist mom is accepted into the neighborhood because she convinced everyone to believe in conspiracy theories the book disproves. Especially since there’s a moment where the daughter of this woman talks about how conspiracy theories overtook her life and was trying her relationships with real people… But by the end everyone is supporting her to become even more invested in conspiracy theories.
I love the use of the scientific method, the way that main character Ruby used science and a love of insects to understand what was going on. I ADORE a “misunderstood” villain trope. And weaving in real world issues into a sci-fi alien invasion story was awesome!! Racist teachers assuming trouble, communities coming together to look out for one another…
My only issue, and the only reason I took away a star is the frequency in which conspiracy theorists are shown to be positive. In a day and age of QANON folks trying to destabilize the government, it feels uncomfortable to read about how the white conspiracy theorist mom is accepted into the neighborhood because she convinced everyone to believe in conspiracy theories the book disproves. Especially since there’s a moment where the daughter of this woman talks about how conspiracy theories overtook her life and was trying her relationships with real people… But by the end everyone is supporting her to become even more invested in conspiracy theories.
April 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this science-forward and intellectually encouraging YA book. With strong themes and lessons on tolerance, persistence, friendship and family-support, the author chose not to make the lead character "perfect." She gets in trouble for creating Twitter accounts she's not supposed to have and -- worst sin of all -- lying about it. She finds camaraderie with the misunderstood alien, who is also young, not supposed to be off her planet and fearful of repercussions when (IF) she is able to get back home. While this is a YA book, it has very important messages for adults, too. Teacher bias is real and must be addressed; parents must be involved in their children's lives. While only 200 pages and a 4-hour listen, this is a well-developed mystery / detective / sci-fi story line. I haven't read the other books nominated for the Middle-Grade / Youth Nebula Award in 2022, but this comprehensive, entertaining and message-laden book certainly deserves this recognition.
March 11, 2024
Ruby, aspiring entomologist, finds this bug that she has never seen before so she traps it in a jar and sneaks it into her house. (so grandma doesn’t see it) This is so she can study it. She is able to get a picture and post it. (she has been banned from social media by her parents) Then the bug escapes by making a hole in the glass jar and the screen window. Government agents show up and close down the neighborhood to search for the bug. Ruby loses electronics for her social media usage.
But weird things begin happening — the metal is stolen from a number of local businesses. The next door neighbor, Witchy Poo, becomes more reclusive, and Ruby’s middle school science teacher says she can’t do the science fair project that she’s already spent months on.
Bug was alien and just trying to get home. Teacher had to give in once Ruby’s parents and principal backed her.
Good story. Did show that kids could go to parents.
But weird things begin happening — the metal is stolen from a number of local businesses. The next door neighbor, Witchy Poo, becomes more reclusive, and Ruby’s middle school science teacher says she can’t do the science fair project that she’s already spent months on.
Bug was alien and just trying to get home. Teacher had to give in once Ruby’s parents and principal backed her.
Good story. Did show that kids could go to parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ruby is very interested in bugs, but when federal agents come to her house when she posts a picture of a bug she has found on Instagram because she couldn't identify it, she gets in big trouble. There's some thought that the bug (who ate its way through a screen to get out!) might have ended up at the house of a neighbor the kids call Witchypoo, of whom even the agents seem afraid! This seemed a little young (Ruby calls her father "daddy", and there's some talk of Ruby being spanked for using social media), and had a sort of Gabby Duran vibe to it. Love the inclusion of STEM topics.
Ruby is very interested in bugs, but when federal agents come to her house when she posts a picture of a bug she has found on Instagram because she couldn't identify it, she gets in big trouble. There's some thought that the bug (who ate its way through a screen to get out!) might have ended up at the house of a neighbor the kids call Witchypoo, of whom even the agents seem afraid! This seemed a little young (Ruby calls her father "daddy", and there's some talk of Ruby being spanked for using social media), and had a sort of Gabby Duran vibe to it. Love the inclusion of STEM topics.
December 31, 2022
Middle grade science-fiction story about entomologists-in-training Ruby. One day Ruby discovers an unusual red bug and while trying to identify it, she realizes it has escaped by cutting a hole in a mason jar and another hole in Ruby’s window! Agents show up soon thereafter demanding Ruby turn over the bug. Is the bug an escapee from a secret government lab? Is it from another planet? Ruby and her friends continue to investigate despite warnings from their parents to stop. Readers will cheer for Ruby as she focuses on being the best scientist she can even when her (white) teacher does not appear to believe (black) Ruby is capable of higher level science work.
June 23, 2022
This STEM oriented middle grade reader will appeal to your elementary school age sci-fans! The main character is a likeable, curious 11 year old Black girl named Ruby. Ruby loves insects and is trying to get her bee science fair project approved but her current science teacher doubts her abilities. Ruby has a good cast of characters for her friends and the friends all rally together to solve a mystery after an uproar over an unidentifiable bug Ruby finds. The only thing I didn't like in this middle grade title is when the author has one of Ruby's friends, Brandon, give the middle finger to the friend group before he rides off on his bike. The middle finger sign-off seems out of place in this wholesome sci-fi mystery. None of the characters, including Brandon curse or use obscene gestures at any other point in the book so it just doesn’t fit with the rest of the story. This book will especially appeal to third through fifth graders. Video gamer students will particularly like this book as Ruby and her friends all play games together using their xCube game consoles.
November 10, 2022
What a great mid-grade novel about bugs! I bought this book for a Christmas gift for a kid in my life (and I know he's going to love it too), but after having taken entomology in high school, I wanted to read it also.
I love Ruby so much! She's super smart, which can get her into trouble sometimes, and she's got a great family that supports her. Her friends are a diverse group with great personalities.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I really think this is an excellent book for kids and even adults. Hopefully there will be a sequel!
I love Ruby so much! She's super smart, which can get her into trouble sometimes, and she's got a great family that supports her. Her friends are a diverse group with great personalities.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I really think this is an excellent book for kids and even adults. Hopefully there will be a sequel!
January 7, 2023
Ruby is an amateur scientist whose great interest is bugs of all kinds. One day a bug she's never seen before lands in her yard. She puts it in a jar to study and posts it online. Then, government men show up in her neighborhood to find and take the bug away. The neighborhood kids know this is mysterious and work together to find out what's really going on. As a side note, Ruby also deals with a racist science teacher who thinks she's not smart enough to do a good science fair project and gets her into trouble. Kid scientists, aliens, what's not to like?
December 4, 2022
a fun sci fi on earth story, with a young Black girl scientist main character. A lot of the story is real world happenings (including dealing with an unpleasant white science teacher who won't believe Ruby is capable of the science fair project she's been planning), but though the sci fi part takes the better part of the book to really get going (which means that kids who come for the sci fi might put it down halfway, which is too bad) it is there and there's lots of excitement at the end.
February 14, 2023
What a charming middle grade story. Budding young entomologist Ruby has a mystery on her hands. She goes after it armed with the same things she’s learned to value in research: the scientific method and cooperation. Along the way we get to see a diverse neighborhood as it engages in community-led safety. Bonus: Ruby’s supportive parents deftly dealing with a racist science teacher that readers will want to throttle.
June 21, 2023
Read-alike to "It's the End of the World and I'm in my Bathing Suit" and "Just South of Home", because they all have main character with an entertainingly distinctive voice, a strong family and community, and some very strange goings-on. I loved how realistic she was as a kid, because so many books have supposed tweens that are abnormally mature and wise. You will look at insects very differently after this story! The author admits she did as well.
September 16, 2023
This is a really good example of young science fiction. Ruby wants to be a scientist and she uses the tools (scientific method, questioning assumptions, testing, collaborating and reporting) that she associates with that role when faced with unexplained events. She also has regular problems -- concerns about whether to trust police and authority, teachers being mean (probably being racist), parents being strict. It all works well together.
November 7, 2022
This was a great book for the middle grader and even younger whom loves bugs, and enjoys the outdoors. Ruby surly enjoyed finding anything with legs. So those creepy crawling things that you may have around this is the book for you. I feel that this could have a sequel to it. Thanks Good reads. Hopefully your little ones enjoy this read.
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