The Rudi of the title is the narrator's classmate,a friend from down the street who's a good companion even though he's 'sick a lot.' Rudi's heart problems worsen,however, and he eventually dies.. leaving the narrator and her classmates struggling with a way to commemorate their friend... smoth and understated. A gently story of friendship, loss, and hope... This simple book shows the comfort to be found in the support of family and friends as well as in remembering.