Magabala Books has acquired world rights to Ruby’s Web, a ‘middle-grade novel about bullying and the power of embracing individuality’ by Ellen van Neerven.

Ruby is starting year 7 at a new school. Her former best friend Amber has started hanging out with the cool kids and pretends she doesn’t know Ruby anymore and she begins to dread going to school every day. At the same time, Ruby is facing more nasty comments online from her classmates as the debate about the Voice referendum heats up and she is getting more attention for her writing. The gap between the internet and real life is getting thinner. Ruby’s web is about how to seek help when dealing with online bullying and racism, the connections that the internet makes possible, and the power of using your voice.

The novel ‘follows Ruby, whose starting grade 7 at a new school. Her former best friend starts hanging with the cool kids and pretends to not know who Ruby is. At the same time Ruby is facing nasty online comments from her classmates as the debate around the Voice referendum heats up. The gap between the internet and real life is getting thinner and thinner. Ruby’s web is about how to seek help when dealing with online bullying and racism, the connections that the internet makes possible, and the power of using your voice.’

Ellen van Neerven (they/them) is an award-winning author, editor and educator of Mununjali and Dutch heritage.

van Neerven said:

‘The deadly team at Magabala Books have believed in this project from the beginning. I am so happy to be publishing my first work for younger readers with Magabala and can’t wait for readers to meet Ruby and the other characters!’

Magabala editor and project manager Arlie Alizzi said:

‘I cannot wait to share Ellen van Neerven’s latest work with young readers. They are one of the country’s most exciting and versatile writers and this book is a true gift, encouraging us to consider what it means to be resilient and to value creativity, uniqueness and sensitivity in our youth. It will start important conversations about how to address bullying and internet use, at a time where our country is debating what it means to access social media at a young age.’

Award winning and acclaimed Aboriginal writer of Goorie and European heritage, Melissa Lucashenko said:

‘[Ruby’s Web] is a wonderful story about overcoming isolation in the face of online bullying. A must read for all young people.’

 Ruby’s Web will be released by Magabala, February 24, 2025.