Rachel´s Random Resources Tours: A Girl Called Ruthless by Melody Pendlebury

´The most amazing miracle I ever witnessed had to be that life carried on´.

I strongly believe that a name plays an important part on someone´s personality and at a great extent it suffuses the behavior of that person. And when you are called Ruthless, the stakes are very high. 

I don´t remember when a YA book charmed me so much that I´ve read it in one eventful sitting. A Girl Called Ruthless by Melody Pendlebury succeeded because it has the right pace of the story and a main character which is both lovable, adventurous and...ruthless. 

We don´t chose our life but sometimes we are able to identify those strengths and resources helping us to overcome life´s treacherous challenges. Ruthless is only 11 years old, living in Louisiana with her mother and has a busy to-do-list. Some of her courageous ideas may get her into trouble but who is not getting in trouble at this age? When her mother dies unexpectedly though, Ruthless will blame forself for it but nevertheless, she should need to carry on with her life. And she will live up to her name, that´s for sure.

Ruthless is a very visible strong character in the book. With the exception of her mother, all the other characters seem to be less clear and, in any case, not given a too stronger voice. Her character is displayed either through the actions she takes part or as a reflective child trying to figure out her feelings and observing her reactions. She is a lovable character, so realistic with her own personality. The kind of girl that would love to meet in real life too.

For the young audience the book is aimed at, A Girl Called Ruthless offers an extraordinary encouragement not only to dare but also to learn how to cope with parental loss and unexpected death. The tragical disappearance of Ruthless´ mother breaks your heart, but it is well placed. 11 is an age when one may try to understand not only that dear ones are disappearing suddenly, but also that death is as much part of life as playing. It´s a sad acknowledgment, but learning how to deal with this truth helps a smooth passage into adulthood.

A Girl Called Ruthless is a book I wish teachers accept to read and talk about in schools too. While using a contemporary background it generates topics relevant to young adults in the making. There are both everyday school and other social and political topics involved in the narrative, the best combination which is part of the everyday life of a young pupil. 

The author has a very dramatic way to create encounters that are insightful and lessons learning and overall, writes so well that can move even a stone-hearted adult. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour, but the opinions, as usual, are my own