> Skip to content
  • Published: 1 October 2012
  • ISBN: 9781775530459
  • Imprint: RHNZ Children’s ebooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 256

End of the Alphabet




In this coming-of-age novel by award-winning YA author Fleur Beale, Ruby is about to discover that she has more backbone than she ever knew . . .

In this coming-of-age novel by the award-winning YA author Fleur Beale, Ruby is about to discover that she has more backbone than she ever knew . . .

Ruby Yarrow is 14 and she's the good girl who helps her mum. She cooks, she looks after the little ones and she would rather do all the work herself than make her brother Max help as he's meant to. That's okay with Ruby because she knows her mum loves her and relies on her. But it's not okay with Ruby's best friend Tia. 'You know what, Ruby Yarrow,' Tia yells, 'I'm not talking to you until you stop being a doormat.'

That gets to Ruby. But how do you stop being a doormat? How do you get some backbone and start standing up for yourself? She can't even get her own bedroom, so why does she think she could get accepted for the school trip to Brazil?

But Tia has made her start thinking - and things will never be the same again for Ruby. Or her family.

  • Published: 1 October 2012
  • ISBN: 9781775530459
  • Imprint: RHNZ Children’s ebooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 256

About the author

Fleur Beale



Fleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults — she has published more than 40 books in New Zealand, as well as in the United States and England. A former high school teacher, Fleur was inspired to write her acclaimed novel I Am Not Esther when one of her students was beaten and expelled from his family for going against their religious beliefs. Fleur is a leading advocate for New Zealand authors, and home-grown literature for children and young adults.

Also by Fleur Beale

See all

Praise for End of the Alphabet

I love each and every one of NZ author Fleur Beale’s novels, but End of the Alphabet has to be my favourite.

Tierney Reardon, Christchurch Kids Blog

I have learnt a lot of things from this book. One of them being that if you're not happy with what you're doing you need to change that. Nobody else is going to do it for you, because life doesn't stop for anybody, and it's too beautiful and crazy to waste.

Caitlin Gallot, aged 14, Good Reads

Hurray for Fleur Beale. I'd make this book compulsory reading...

P.D.R. Linsdsay, Good Reads

I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first picked it up, but once I started reading it I couldn't stop! Ruby Yarrow is a character that we can all relate to in some way and is very inspirational to anyone who ever had to fight for their rights!

Mimi Potter, Good Reads

Read this book for the millionth time. Such a great book about learning to stand up for yourself, overcoming obstacles and following your dreams

Zoe, Good Reads

Awards & recognition

Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction Award

Awarded  •  2010  •  Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction