Relativity

It seems like Ruby Wright's life is falling apart when her widower father moves them to boring Ennis, Ohio. But Ennis becomes a lot less dull when Ruby discovers a door in the trunk of a grand oak tree in the cornfields behind their house. Ruby enters the tree, and when she exits, this scientifically gifted teen finds herself in a parallel universe where she has a brother, her mother is still alive, and Ruby herself is utterly different. Ruby's fascinating yet frightening experience sends her on a journey through multiple parallel universes in hopes of finding one where she has the life she truly wishes for%E2%80%94one where her parents are still alive and together and where Ruby gets to be with the boy she loves. Debut novelist Bishara's premise and use of string theory are promising, but the identity and storyline changes that accompany each universe shift keep the characters from feeling fully developed, including Ruby. This aside, readers will be intrigued by the possibility of exploring parallel selves. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Minju Chang, BookStop Literary. (Sept.)