The narrative resonates because the "copycat" phenomenon is a rite of passage in childhood. Almost every child has, at some point, tried to mirror a friend or idol to feel accepted. Rathmann handles this with empathy rather than judgment. The story reaches a pivotal moment when the teacher, Miss Krum, gently encourages Ruby to "be Ruby." The resolution is satisfying not because Ruby is shamed, but because she is guided toward self-discovery.
Ruby is a new student who tries to fit in by mimicking everything her classmate Angela does. Eventually, with the help of a kind teacher, she learns that being herself is much more fun. 🏫 Educational Value ruby the copycat pdf