Somebody's Someone

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 4 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2025
Red Chair Press | One Elm Books

Talking about this book? Use #redchairpress #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Twelve-year-old Ruby Bean has become an Accidental Expert on Missing Mothers.

When her mother, Ruthie, goes missing again due to mental illness and addiction, Ruby and her aunt leap into action to search for Ruthie.

A jewelry store robbery and unexpected kindness from the victim bring more twists to the journey. From Georgia to Washington to New York City, Ruby discovers that sometimes even the worst events can bring the best surprises into one's life, if you keep believing.

Twelve-year-old Ruby Bean has become an Accidental Expert on Missing Mothers.

When her mother, Ruthie, goes missing again due to mental illness and addiction, Ruby and her aunt leap into action to...


Advance Praise

Somebody’s Someone is a real treat for young readers, blending humor, love and friendship in the story of a twelve-year-old meeting the challenges of life with a mentally ill parent head on. I highly recommend it for young readers.”
Barbara Binns, award-winning author of Courage and Unlawful Orders

"The novel's heady mix of realism and buoyancy carries all the way to the extraordinary ending. Dzamesi's spectacular black and white artwork renders such indelible images as Ruby's big, soulful eyes and Daisy's even bigger hat.   A young girl's bumpy life begets an uplifting narrative journey.-- Kirkus Reviews

"A compassionate novel exploring the lifeforce of a child's love."
--Independent Book Review

Somebody’s Someone is a real treat for young readers, blending humor, love and friendship in the story of a twelve-year-old meeting the challenges of life with a mentally ill parent head on. I...


Marketing Plan

Reviews and Award submissions
North American and Mid-Atlantic Publicity
National Advertising
Author Presentations and Signings


Reviews and Award submissions
North American and Mid-Atlantic Publicity
National Advertising
Author Presentations and Signings



Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781947159877
PRICE US$18.99 (USD)
PAGES 184

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Average rating from 8 members


Featured Reviews

This was a beautifully done and realistic story being told, it had that element that I was looking for and was invested in what was going on. The characters felt like real people and was invested in their story. It was written in a way that I was looking for and was engaged with the way Linda Oatman High wrote this.

Was this review helpful?

I read this book in one sitting. It was just so beautifully written. It handles the topics of mental health and addiction with honesty and so much care. It would be wonderful for students in grades 4-6th. The mixing of character is eclectic and a great mix that fits the message of the story perfectly.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very sweet story. Ruby is a cutie and this was well written from the perspective of a 12 year old who has grown up with some serious issues around her and is in that weird in between state of way to mature and still not quite there. Mental health and addiction can hit anybody and "Somebodys Someone" is a good way to think about others.

Was this review helpful?

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that human connection is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. I argue that our relationships with others are essential to our well-being, happiness, and sense of purpose. I also explore the ways in which we can cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections with others, and provide practical advice and strategies for doing so.

The book is written in an approachable and accessible style, making it easy for readers to engage with the material and reflect on their own relationships and connections. I've included a range of examples and anecdotes to illustrate key points and make the concepts more relatable.

Was this review helpful?

This book is going to be so important when its released. Not every child has a mum like Ruby's, but lots have an adult in their life with poor/unstable mental health. The picture of Ruby's life that is created is one that many children will, unfortunately, recognise. The story isn't one about a mum who is unwell all the time. This mum has good periods, bad periods and inbetween periods when she's neither good nor bad, just meh. And the best bit? It doesn't end all happy and mum is fixed. This feels like a 'real' story and not one that's been written to all live happily ever after. Ruby makes a hard, terrifying choice about her mum and it has consequences, but she made the decision for the right reasons. This is an incredible story.

Was this review helpful?

Twelve-year-old Ruby Bean, who knows too well about missing mothers, sets out with her aunt to search for her mother, Ruthie, who has disappeared again. Along the way, a jewelry store robbery and a surprising act of kindness add twists to their journey, taking them from Georgia to New York. Through it all, Ruby learns that even in difficult times, unexpected moments of hope and joy can appear if you keep believing.

This touching children’s story, complemented by gentle illustrations, follows Ruby as she and her aunt set out to find her missing mother, Ruthie. The book thoughtfully introduces themes of mental health and addiction in a way that’s approachable and sensitive for young readers.

Was this review helpful?

Loved how Mary and the homeless people bonded from tragedy to find Mary’s missing mom ….sad that her mom was never admitted to a hospital to get help earlier on….but people are their choices !

Was this review helpful?

This book is the touching account of a girl and her aunt, dealing with mom's addiction and disappearance. It takes us through a wild ride of characters and calamity, but also really focuses on the feelings of the family of those with addiction. I would recommend it to middle schoolers and mature upper elementary students.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: