The Beat on Ruby's Street by Jenna Zark

Genre:  Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Ruby is an eleven-year-old, who has become a "free thinker" like her idol Jack Kerouac. She is on her way to one of his readings when she is arrested and accused of stealing fruit. Her mom is an artist and her father is a musician. They allow her to run the streets and be this free thinker and this is what gets social services to remove her.  Ruby learns that there are  no perfect families. She also learns how important to it is to follow her own heart. She remains true to herself. She handles this situation  the best way she can, by being creative.
The author did a wonderful job of plunking the reader into Greenwich Village in 1958. You feel the "vibes" of that time period throughout the book. It is realistic, historical, and a book both adults and kids will be able to relate to. I am pleased to recommend this book to my students and will definitely watch for more from this author.