Maddie's Ferry Ride is based on a true story of Maddie who was homeschooled / home-educated / unschooled for 14 years and is created by her mother Karen as the 18th birthday gift for her. The illustrator Nancy Highfield herself is also a 23 year old who was homeschooled through most of her childhood.

Maddie's Ferry Ride hopes to inaugurate a series of stories of self-directed learning and growth, to showcase the perspectives of homeschoolers / unschoolers and young creatives.

Here is the story:

A ferry ride to an island is full of excitement. The sun is shining and Maddie is eager to explore the boat. On the top deck, Maddie takes in the view of the ocean, but Mom draws her attention to some strange orange objects stacked up on a shelf that Maddie has never seen before... life jackets!

Maddie is curious about these life jackets and wants to know more, so Mom asks a passing sailor if Maddie can try one on. At first, he does not say yes or no, but asks them to wait... At last, he comes back smiling. Maddie is allowed to try on a life jacket but there are certain important rules she must first agree to follow.

Maddie is very grateful for the chance to learn all about the ferry's life jackets and why they are so important. Before the ferry ride is over, Maddie goes to thank the sailor for letting her try on a life jacket and she soon finds out that she's not the only one who wants to say thank you!