Maddie Frost, an accomplished author known for her picture books, has taken a bold leap into the world of middle-grade literature with her new release, *Really Rubie*. Drawing on her own experiences, Frost crafts a poignant tale centred around a young girl named Rubie Fox, who embarks on a summer camp adventure in Vermont.
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In an introspective moment, Frost reflects on her past, admitting that as a child, the idea of forming friendships and participating in group activities was daunting. “I never even had a group of friends. The thought of trying to make them back then gave me diarrhoea,” she writes, showcasing the anxiety that many young people experience when facing new social situations.
*Really Rubie* is anchored in the author’s memories of her time at Brown Ledge Camp, a pivotal experience that shaped her understanding of friendship and self-discovery. Frost vividly remembers her arrival at the camp in 2001, feeling overwhelmed as she watched other girls hop out of cars with their belongings. She questioned her decision: “What the heck am I doing here? I just want to go home and organise my Beanie Babies.”
The initial experience at camp was difficult for Frost, who only began to feel at ease once her best friend from home, whom she refers to as Sarah, joined her. However, their friendship took a turn as Sarah’s mood swings left Frost feeling isolated at the camp. This feeling resonated intensely with Frost, who penned her diary entries filled with nostalgia and sadness. “I’m scared. And the only thing to calm me down is to write in this diary,” she wrote, illustrating the comfort that writing can provide in challenging times.
As the days passed, Frost’s apprehensions slowly began to fade. She became accustomed to the camp routine, even starting to enjoy the natural surroundings. “The smell of pine and lake water started growing on me,” she recalls. Eventually, she found solace in an unexpected friendship with a fellow camper named Zoe, who entered her life during an embarrassing moment involving a capsized sailboat. Their shared laughter marked a turning point for Frost, who began to feel a sense of belonging.
Zoe’s character became a significant inspiration for Eliza, a character in *Really Rubie*. Within the narrative, Eliza represents the notion that sometimes, simply being open to new experiences can lead to wonderful outcomes. As Frost reflects on her time at camp, she emphasises that the story transcends the camp setting; it is ultimately about personal growth and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone.
Fast forward to August 2023, and Frost plans to return to the very same Brown Ledge Camp that once intimidated her. With *Really Rubie* in hand, she aims to inspire the new generation of campers, sharing her story and the essential lessons learned during her formative years. “Those challenging experiences as an adolescent have made me the person and writer I am today,” she shares, acknowledging that the struggles she faced were pivotal in shaping her identity.
Frost’s heartfelt hope for her readers is that they see themselves reflected in Rubie’s journey, understanding that it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about the unknown. “You don’t need a ‘friend buffer’ either. You can do it all on your own,” she reassures them, illustrating that the adventure of venturing into new experiences can lead to invaluable personal growth.
In a concluding note, Frost leaves young readers with a piece of wisdom from Rubie’s treasured childhood stuffed animal, Jim the Duck, conveying the importance of bravery in the face of new challenges.
*Really Rubie* promises to be a relatable and engaging narrative for children navigating their own experiences of growth, set for release on June 2. It is now available for pre-order at all major book retailers. Through this work, Frost not only shares a personal chapter of her life but also encourages young readers to embrace the journey of discovering who they are.