This book was actually pretty decent, I think that plenty of kids would actually enjoy this but it was not a middle grade that most readers above the age of 12 are going to enjoy however. It was decently simple writing and doesn't have a lot of depth however which is why I'm saying that anyone over the recommended age is not going to enjoy it as much as a middle grade reader would enjoy it

Due to the cover and the blurb, I went into Ruby and the Boss Cricket thinking it was a modern-day mystery modeled on Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden or the Hardy Brothers. And, indeed, it starts that way. But it soon veers off into magical territory in the vein of Bruce Coville or Zetta Elliot. While Julie Sampson isn’t quite in their league, I would definitely recommend this book (hopefully the first of a series).

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Level Best Books and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) in exchange for an honest review.

What an original and fun story! I loved that it was different from what I typically see in this genre and honestly just really enjoyed the whole ride.

Ruby, a young girl, discovers a hidden world within an antique dresser she finds on the side of the road. This magical dresser leads her to unexpected friendships and exciting adventures involving a mischievous cricket named "The Boss Cricket." It is an enjoyable book geared towards middle-grade readers, with imaginative world-building and engaging storyline.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was looking for and was hooked from the first page. It was a strong start to the Inspire Island series, and was everything that I was looking for in this series. Julie Sampson has a strong writing style and am excited to read more from this world.

Five stores for this creative and upbeat novel, with its thoroughly original story combining the best elements of traditional and contemporary children's literature. Author Julie Sampson introduces appealing and interesting characters of various ages and smoothly weaves art, culture and entomology. Did I mention woodworking and jam-making? Ruby and the Boss Cricket should be a must read on any Middle Grade shelf! I'm giving nothing away by warning you'll be fluttertanked if you don't read it!