Ruby Holler
Having suffered through a string of appalling foster homes (the spitting  Cranbepps; scary, toothless Mr. Dreep who locked them in his cellar; and the  mean Burgerton boys), 13-year-old orphan Dallas and his twin sister, Florida,  have pretty much given up on ever finding a happy home. So when an eccentric  older couple enters their lives, providing such adventures as a river  expedition, a treasure hunt (of sorts), and a whole lot of remarkable meals:  "beat-the-blues broccoli," "anti-cranky crumpets," and "getting-used-to-kids- again stew," the twins take a while to warm up. Florida's language teems with  outrageous, telling negativity--everything is "putrid"--and even dreamy Dallas  is inclined to bouts of doubt. But warm up they do, to the continual delight of  readers of all ages.Sharon Creech, author of Newbery Medal winnerWalk Two Moonsand Newbery  Honor bookThe Wanderer,  is in fine form with her hilarious yet poignant novel about downtrodden siblings  who refuse to be squished altogether. The perfectly happy ending is somewhat  predictable, but readers who have fallen in love with each quirky character  won't mind a bit. (Ages 8 to 13)--Emilie Coulter--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.