About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the pressure to curate a perfect image or is making risky choices to fit into a specific social circle. Gordon Korman provides a modern high school reimagining of The Great Gatsby, focusing on Jake Garret, a boy who seems to have everything but is actually hiding his past to win over a girl. It explores the heavy costs of social climbing, the emptiness of popularity, and the ethics of loyalty. While it features typical high school scenarios like parties and sports, it serves as a cautionary tale about losing oneself in the pursuit of acceptance. It is ideal for ages 12 and up as a way to discuss the difference between true friendship and social utility.
