Ruby Takes Chicago by Diann Floyd Boehm

The follow-up to Rise! A Girl’s Struggle For More, Ruby Takes Chicago starts up where the first book left us, with Ruby on the way to Chicago to defy the societal norm. Always wanting something more for herself, Ruby challenged the idea of staying in the house, waiting to be courted to maintain her husband’s house.

Floyd Boehm takes the reader back in time to 1926 when a young Oklahoman leavers her childhood home to break barriers and put her education to good use. With big dreams and her father’s connections through the Freemasons, the twenty-one-year-old isn’t ready for all Chicago has in store but through strength and determination plans to prove to her younger sister that women can be successful in the working world.

Not everything goes so easily as Ruby spends days searching for a job, lives in a less-than-ideal rooming house and has trouble opening her heart while desperately wanting to find love. As most of her friends, male and female, venture off to get married and have families, Ruby continues to go to work all day and find a comfortable spot to read most nights. Determined not to lose her way, Ruby ensures she asks for what she wants and not a penny an hour less, despite being told she can’t be paid as much as a man with a family for doing the same work.

Through volunteering, attending church and unexpected losses, Ruby continues to be her authentic self to prove if women are allowed to vote, they are also allowed to earn an income. This historical/biographical YA is written wonderfully, with enough hardship and success that it will keep the reader intrigued and rooting for Ruby!



Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author, community volunteer, humanitarian, and former classroom teacher. She is passionate about storytelling and has nine published books for children and two young adult historical fictions. In addition, Diann is a co-host for several shows on USA Global TV. Diann is married, a mother of three, and has one grandchild. Diann loves to inspire readers of all ages to “Embrace Imagination!”

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ OC Publishing (Nov. 15 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1989833381
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1989833384