Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Maddie Frost!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Maddie Frost
Maddie Frost is an award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator. She has been praised as a “powerhouse creator,” making over a dozen books for kids. You might recognize some of her books like the WOMBATS! series, Cats on Cats on Cats, and Little Boo. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and daughter. Really Rubie is her first middle grade novel. For more about Maddie, visit her website at Maddie-Frost.com. Or on Instagram @HelloMaddieFrost.
About the Book: REALLY RUBIE
The true middle school experience—awkward, DRAMATIC, and really fun!—comes to life in this hilarious diary-style series featuring color-lined pages and black and white illustrations. In the first book, Rubie has to face sleepaway camp without her BFF!
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
This book was inspired by my own trip to summer camp when I was Rubie’s age. It was all-girls and in Vermont for one month. But my best friend didn’t break her ankle, she came with me. Looking back, I wondered what kind of experience I would have had if I had gone alone. Rubie is the product of that daydream. Even though this story is set at summer camp, it isn’t really about summer camp. It’s about braving the unknown for the first time.
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
I picked the brains of my nieces in middle school, and my brother who is a middle-school teacher. A lot has changed since I was eleven, and I wanted Rubie’s story to feel modern, yet have a vibe of nostalgia for my satisfaction (and for any other millennial readers out there). I even read through the diary I brought with me to that summer camp. Here’s an entry, ready? “June 22, 2000. Dear Journal, I said my final goodbyes to my parents and a high-five to my brother. God forbid he hugs his sister! Now I’m on my own for a whole month. Eventually I will get used to it, but right now, I’m scared. Oh my god, you won’t believe this. There’s 2 ducks right outside my cabin door. Lol. I guess those are my other two bunkies! Well, I’m gonna go. I have no clue where. TTYL.” There were indeed woodchips everywhere, I had two bunkmates from France, and I really did get thrown off a horse. The character of Eliza was inspired by a girl I met and became instant friends with. She was wacky and fun like me. There were mega jealousy vibes from my best friend. Yikes, I know.
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
Characters always come first before the story, no matter the book. I heard Rubie’s voice loud and clear from the very beginning. I always believe that writing is just listening. Listening to what your characters are saying, and letting them move their story forward. My job is to keep up. To see it through and write it all down. Rubie is me at age eleven and also at age thirty-seven. Part of adolescence will never really leave my heart. The awkwardness, anxiety, heartbreak, and giddiness of being a tween will stay with me forever. And thank goodness for that.
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would write middle-grade forever. I promise I’m not just saying that. It comes so natural, because like I said, those tween memories are still a part of me. I also feel like middle school girls need a funny-female hero. Both on and off the page. I hope Rubie and I can be that for our young readers.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
Is coffee a snack?
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
Favorite writing space changes depending on the season. I’m a New Englander. I write Rubie on my tablet and never anything else. And always first thing in the morning after my daughter goes to school. I have a laptop and computer, but I’m a little superstitious that it has to stay on the original source of creation or else the *magic* won’t come. When it’s warm out, I take my tablet outside to the patio. My dog Mozzy, likes to lay beside me and tell me how great a writer I am. In the colder months, I write on the couch in my living room. I like the sunlight in there, and it’s the one room in the house with the least amount of toddler toys.
YABC: If you could time travel what would you want to see?
I would love to see a real dinosaur. But like…from a safe distance.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Clean! When the house is tidy, thennnnn I’ll be ready to write.
YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?
My daughter, Birdie.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Readers can expect to find a new friend in Rubie. She’s full of humor and heart, and she’s hear to remind everyone to be themselves at a time when it feels the hardest.
Title: REALLY RUBIE
Author: Maddie Frost
Illustrator: Maddie Frost
Release Date: June 2, 2026
Publisher: Aladdin/S&S Children’s
ISBN-10: 834710399C
ISBN-13: 9798347103997
Genre: Middle Grade
Age Range: 8 – 12
~ Giveaway Details ~
Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter
*Be sure to include a complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*
Five (5) winners will receive a hardcover copy of REALLY RUBIE (Maddie Frost) ~US Only!
Sounds like a fun read!! 😊