A thrilling sci-fi adventure that will have young readers questioning what it truly means to be alive — and rooting for an unlikely hero at every turn!

In The Ruby Code, Ash escapes his difficult life through virtual reality games — until one act of kindness leads him to an extraordinary discovery hidden inside an old fantasy RPG called The Glass Realm. There, he meets Ruby: a shopkeeper NPC who turns out to be something far beyond her programming — a sentient artificial intelligence, secretly built as a weapon and hidden away by a developer desperate to keep her safe. When a powerful shadow organisation sets its sights on Ruby, Ash and his unlikely AI companion must race to protect her before she falls into the wrong hands. Perfect for fans of Warcross and Ready Player One, this high-octane adventure is ideal for middle-grade readers who love technology, gaming, and fast-paced stories with real heart.

Action-Packed from Page One: Set in a thrilling high-tech near future, this story blends virtual reality gaming with genuine suspense — ideal for readers who love a story that never lets up.
Thoughtful Themes, Big Questions: Through Ash and Ruby's friendship, young readers explore ideas about artificial intelligence, identity, and what it means to be truly alive — topics that feel more relevant than ever.
A Hero Kids Will Root For: Ash is a relatable underdog — bullied and overlooked — whose kindness and courage drive the story, showing readers that empathy can be its own kind of superpower.
A Friendship Unlike Any Other: The bond between a lonely boy and a sentient AI is surprisingly moving, giving this adventure real emotional depth alongside all the excitement.

About the Author

Jessica Khoury is the author of several acclaimed novels for young readers, including the Arlo Finch-esque adventure series and the fantasy novel The Forbidden Wish. Known for weaving together diverse characters, imaginative world-building, and compelling moral questions, Khoury brings the same passion for big ideas and gripping storytelling to The Ruby Code. She lives in the United States and continues to write stories that challenge and inspire young minds.

Product Details

Publisher: Scholastic, Incorporated
Publication date: 6 June 2023
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9781338859287
Reading age: Middle grade (ages 8–12)