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Ruby's Web
Ruby is starting year 7 at a new school. Her cousin Amber used to be her best friend, but she has started hanging out with the cool kids and pretends she doesn t know Ruby anymore. Ruby dreads school every day. At the same time, the whole country is also debating the referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, and Ruby is facing more and more nasty comments online from her classmates. 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.
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.
- GenresYoung AdultMiddle Grade
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2026
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 9, 2025
A difficult book to read, due to relentless bullying of MC.
But she deals with it with dignity and grace.
Short, snappy read.
But she deals with it with dignity and grace.
Short, snappy read.
April 27, 2026
I thought I would just read a chapter before bed and finish ‘Ruby’s Web’ the next day, but I was so gripped and worried for Ruby, I had to finish it to make sure she was okay.
The bullying was brutal (and probably not a patch on what happens every day, without the relief of a hopeful resolution!). Ruby’s grace and the people who slowly came around her to support her made the difference. And it made me think about differences we can all make in the lives of others.
A really interesting accidental companion read with ‘A Good Kind of Trouble’ which I read earlier in the week. We can all do better.
The bullying was brutal (and probably not a patch on what happens every day, without the relief of a hopeful resolution!). Ruby’s grace and the people who slowly came around her to support her made the difference. And it made me think about differences we can all make in the lives of others.
A really interesting accidental companion read with ‘A Good Kind of Trouble’ which I read earlier in the week. We can all do better.
May 7, 2026
4/5
☆☆☆☆
Ruby's Web is a middle-grade novel by Ellen van Neerven (published in February 2026), following Ruby, a First Nations girl starting Year 7 who becomes the target of severe, racially charged bullying.
I found this a very enjoyable read and it opened my eyes to a lot of issues in Australia, specifically regarding our First Nations communities. I was also bullied in high school, so I really connected with Ruby ( we would’ve been best friends). Her character felt authentic, and the emotions throughout the story were handled in a way that younger readers could understand while still carrying a strong message.
What I appreciated most was how the book didn’t shy away from difficult topics like racism, identity, and isolation, but still managed to keep a sense of hope and resilience. I think this makes it a really important read for younger audiences, especially in Australian schools.
The reason I only gave this 4/5 stars was that I found the writing a bit bland at times. This is most likely because I’m used to reading Adult and YA fiction, so the simpler writing style didn’t always fully engage me. However, I can completely understand why the author chose that style for the intended middle-grade audience.
+another thing i liked was the page art its so cool
☆☆☆☆
Ruby's Web is a middle-grade novel by Ellen van Neerven (published in February 2026), following Ruby, a First Nations girl starting Year 7 who becomes the target of severe, racially charged bullying.
I found this a very enjoyable read and it opened my eyes to a lot of issues in Australia, specifically regarding our First Nations communities. I was also bullied in high school, so I really connected with Ruby ( we would’ve been best friends). Her character felt authentic, and the emotions throughout the story were handled in a way that younger readers could understand while still carrying a strong message.
What I appreciated most was how the book didn’t shy away from difficult topics like racism, identity, and isolation, but still managed to keep a sense of hope and resilience. I think this makes it a really important read for younger audiences, especially in Australian schools.
The reason I only gave this 4/5 stars was that I found the writing a bit bland at times. This is most likely because I’m used to reading Adult and YA fiction, so the simpler writing style didn’t always fully engage me. However, I can completely understand why the author chose that style for the intended middle-grade audience.
+another thing i liked was the page art its so cool
April 16, 2026
Reading for my Children’s literature assignment
I picked this book because I wanted an Indigenous Book to discuss in my assignment.
This is a middle grade novel that follows Ruby in year seven as she struggles through school bullying both online and in person. It grows worse during the Voice to Parliament Referendum.
This is a heavy book that shows the realities of Indigenous children in schools and how pervasive bullying is nowadays with online learning environments.
It also deals with the courage of speaking up, connection to country and celebrates Indigenous culture through writing.
A beautiful and powerful book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this book because I wanted an Indigenous Book to discuss in my assignment.
This is a middle grade novel that follows Ruby in year seven as she struggles through school bullying both online and in person. It grows worse during the Voice to Parliament Referendum.
This is a heavy book that shows the realities of Indigenous children in schools and how pervasive bullying is nowadays with online learning environments.
It also deals with the courage of speaking up, connection to country and celebrates Indigenous culture through writing.
A beautiful and powerful book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 14, 2026
Based around an indigenous girl Ruby in year 7 and around the time of the YES vote referendum. It covers the challenges that are present in schools with regards to bullying and online cyber bullying based on race and how the media events can accelerate the impact.
And how people judge people and events based on gossip and comments that may not be accurate.
It is written in a way for middle school - year 5 and above can relate to and empathise and understand
And how people judge people and events based on gossip and comments that may not be accurate.
It is written in a way for middle school - year 5 and above can relate to and empathise and understand
March 27, 2026
Read for young adult book club. 😊 Very sweet and affirming novel for older kids. Tackles difficult topics like racism, colourism and mental health. I liked how it showed the relationships and complexities within Mob community, and the strength and resilience. I'm glad Ruby and Amber repaired their relationship.
March 13, 2026
Easy reading novel for tweens. Covering the topics of bullying, racism, family and resilience.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews