THE YEAR RUBY TURNED FIFTEEN is a gentle, thoughtful resource designed to help families, educators, and healthcare teams talk with young children about a cancer diagnosis in a young person.
Written by young people with lived experience through the Queensland Youth Cancer Service (QYCS) Youth Advisory Group (YAG), the book follows Eloise, a young sibling watching her big sister Ruby navigate a cancer diagnosis. When Ruby must leave home and travel to the big city for treatment, Eloise faces confusion, worry, and the many changes that come when someone you love is unwell and away from home. The story uses simple language and age-appropriate explanations to help children understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how they might feel along the way.
By revisiting Eloise’s perspective throughout, young readers can safely explore big emotions, build empathy, and feel reassured that worry, sadness, and confusion are normal. THE YEAR RUBY TURNED FIFTEEN is more than a story, it is a practical tool for connection. It invites open conversations and nurtures understanding with clarity and care.
To access The Year Ruby Turned Fifteen:
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THE YEAR RUBY TURNED FIFTEEN
Written by Fiona Wyer | Illustrated by Aliona Grytsenko
Self-published in Meanjin (Brisbane) on the lands of the Turrbal and Jagera Peoples, Australia 2025.
We were supported by the Youth Cancer Service and the Australian Communities Foundation through the Melanie Holden Memorial Sub Fund for creation, self-publishing and Batch 1-2025 printing.
Ongoing support from the Youth Cancer Service and Canteen for hosting, printing and distributing future copies of the book.
This work may be shared with attribution to the original authors and Queensland Youth Cancer Service.
No modifications or adaptations may be made without written permission from the Queensland Youth Cancer Service.
A copy of this publication is held in the National Library of Australia and the State Library of Queensland.
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