This is a wonderful story that I give 5 out of 5 stars. However, it is not a story that everyone will enjoy, so I recommend it to 4th and 5th-graders who are looking for a thoughtful read. Twelve-year-old Ruby Pepperdine is trying to make sense of her world after the death of her grandmother, her beloved Gigi, who was her "center of everything."The story takes place throughout the course of a small town parade celebrating Captain Bunning, the inventor of the hole in the center of donuts. Told in flashbacks, this quiet story is made of small moments strung together, which challenges Ruby, and the reader to figure out the world, and our place and role in it.Ruby struggles a lot with the issue of what you are supposed to do and feel, and ends up with the thought, "What if there is no supposed to?"Linda Urban has created characters who are flawed, but so real and recognizable to readers. She accurately describes and makes real the feelings of confusion and pain as you try to move forward with your life following the death of someone close to you.The independent reading level is 5.1; interest level is grades 3-6. This is a quiet read for middle schoolers, so it's not my cup of tea. I understand there are readers for this type of book out there though! Twelve-year-old Ruby Pepperdine is trying to figure out how to deal with the recent death of her grandmother while she's waiting to read her winning essay about Capt. Bunning, the man who founded her town and brought the doughnuts to America. I was thankful that the author ended the novel with a note explaining that Capt. Bunning was made up--I was afraid that readers wouldn't know!
What do You think about Center Of Everything (2013)?
Ruby Giselle Pepperdine, I love you and your crazy life and town.
—Zinnie
