Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick - by Roz Rosenbluth (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

When the coolest kid in the class drops by David's house after school, David is worried about how popular, zany Ruben Plotnick will react upon meeting unpredictable Grandma Rosie. Will he make fun of her to his classmates? Will he imitate her whispery voice? What will he do if Grandma Rosie suddenly wants to dance? To his surprise, and relief, David learns that although Ruben may be a joker, he has an instant rapport with Grandma Rosie and accepts her odd behavior. In fact, when Grandma Rosie calls out, "Nate, let's waltz!" Ruben gallantly and proudly dances around the kitchen with her. This heartwarming story of senility and school-age embarrassment reveals the importance of looking beneath the surface to really get to know someone. By accepting Grandma with all of her quirks, Ruben shows that he has a warm heart and can be a true friend.

Review Quotes

"...a tender storybook...manages to touch on popularity, peer pressure and senility without any preaching.... Every character expands beyond stereotype in a way that will help kids cope with their own concerns about being less than perfect."

-- "GRAND Magazine"

"...a truly delightful story that deals with the realities of aging and Alzheimer's with sensitivity and humor...a must have in school libraries."

-- "Children's Literature"

"[This book] waltzed into my heart and touched it in a way that no other children's book has."

--Barbara Gruener "AcademicPlanet.com"

"A lovely book about friendship and seeing people as they really are. Kids will think it's terrific fun--but I warn you, parents, you just might get a little misty as you read. The best books do that to you."

-- "MyShelf.com"

"All of us should get to know . . . Getting To Know Ruben Plotnick . . . . This is a story about real family values, compassion for others and how kids are often smarter than we think. Hats off to Ruben Plotnick!"

--Simms Taback, author, Joseph Had a Little Overcoat and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

"An engaging story about family, friendship, and the challenges of dementia... an excellent choice for a group read-aloud or to help a child deal with fears of family embarrassment."

-- "School Library Journal"

"Charming . . . Ruben Plotnick is a young man that I wouldn't mind getting to know . . . lovely, filled with colorful illustrations that will make you smile."

-- "Eclectic Homeschool Online"

"Many children will relate to the dilemma of both loving and being embarrassed by an eccentric family member, just as many children might discover that beneath the surface of a joking cool dude could be a truly good friend. Illustrations are bright, realistic, and upbeat, showing children of many ethnic groups."

-- "Bayviews Review Journal"

"One thing I really love about Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick is that it reminded me of when I was a kid in school and I was gonna have friends over, and I would be nervous... sometimes we have really big worries, but we don't need to have them."

--Zach Braff, actor and filmmaker

"The illustrations, full of joy and fun, complement this heartwarming story perfectly."

-- "HealthBooks.com"

"This sensitive and clever story deals with school-age embarrassment and what dementia looks like from a child's perspective."

-- "National Institute on Aging"

"One thing I really love about Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick is that it reminded me of when I was a kid in school and I was gonna have friends over, and I would be nervous... sometimes we have really big worries, but we don't need to have them." --Zach Braff, actor and filmmaker

About the Author

Roz Rosenbluth was the author of numerous children's books including Hungry Bear and Nettie's Spaghetti. Her fiction appeared in Cricket and Highlights magazines, and she was the winner of the 2000 Highlights magazine humor contest. She held editorial positions at Bantam Books and the National Education Association, and lived in New Rochelle, New York. Maurie J. Manning is the illustrator of many books, including The Aunts Go Marching, a 2004 IRA Notable Book and Scholastic Pick of the Month. She lives in Berkeley, California.