Ruby Between the Cracks: A Gritty YA Novel About Trauma, Friendship, and Transformation

How do you keep fighting when life has broken you down?

If you asked Ruby, she’d tell you she’s fine—more than fine. She’s tough, independent, and doesn’t need anyone. The truth? The road that brought her here has been brutal, and much of it is buried in trauma she’s tried to forget.

But the past has a way of catching up. The road ahead is even darker, filled with gangs, drugs, abuse, depression, and challenges Ruby can’t yet imagine. To survive, Ruby will have to confront her pain—and decide if she’s ready to fight for a better future.

Praise for Ruby

“You know it’s a great book when you have to keep reminding yourself that the characters are not real people. I really cared about Ruby, and she gave me some bad moments. I desperately hoped her story would have a happy ending.”

“Ruby exposes the complex and brutal relationship between mental illness, poverty, and abuse… a page turner I had to finish.”

“Ruby really put me through the wringer… I couldn’t stop reading until I knew how the story ended!”

Why You’ll Love This Book

• A raw, gritty YA novel about survival, resilience, and hope

• Tackles real-world issues: gang violence, drug addiction, foster care, and mental health

• Perfect for fans of Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Halse Anderson, or Courtney Summers

From USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman, Ruby is the first book in the Between the Cracks series—an emotional and powerful exploration of teens fighting to survive in a world stacked against them.

Start reading Ruby today and follow her unforgettable journey.