11 Ruby Road: 1900

The ‘olden days’ hasn’t featured often in Australian middle-grade fiction in the last few years.

Except for Jackie French’s recent books, the Our Australian Girl series, and Katrina Nannestad’s wonderful Silver Linings at the end of last year, it has been slim pickings. Therefore, 11 Ruby Road is a pleasing addition.

In 1900, the McIntyre family has moved closer to the city into a house and shop Great Aunt Mildred owns. The middle girl of six, Dorothy at 10 years old plans to be a writer but, then again, she may be an actress. But what she definitely is, is proactive, a touch impetuous, and, in school, outspoken; all in all, she is fun.

With her friend George, Dorothy writes a play featuring herself as an actress, and she also compels the local children to join the cast. However, just before the performance, she decides to rewrite the play to focus on the suffragettes’ plight. Her mother and aunt have struggled to interest the women of the community about procuring the right to vote and Dorothy wants to help. The outcome is heartwarming. I look forward to the next in the series set in the same house in 1925. This is a terrific read for ages 9–12.