
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the digital fallout of a public mistake or is struggling to find their voice within a community that feels unsupportive. Sky Baker is an openly gay high school senior in a small town whose private plan for a romantic 'promposal' is leaked online by an anonymous bully. The story moves beyond the initial pain of cyberbullying to explore how a young person can reclaim their narrative through friendship and collective action. This is a powerful choice for parents of high schoolers who need to see a realistic depiction of navigating social media toxicity while maintaining their integrity and self-worth. It addresses themes of shame and belonging with a hopeful, contemporary lens that feels authentic to the modern teen experience.
Focuses on crushes, a promposal, and mild teenage romance.
Deals with the emotional weight of public shaming and feelings of isolation.
This book depicts intense cyberbullying, including the use of homophobic slurs and public humiliation. There is also a past family crisis involving the death of Sky's father in a car accident and a strained relationship with his mother.
A high schooler who feels like they are the 'only one' in their community. It is perfect for a teen who has experienced digital harassment or feels they must minimize their personality to fit into a small-town environment.
Parents should be aware of the realistic depiction of online vitriol and use of slurs in the initial email leak. The book can be read cold by most teens, but a conversation about digital safety and reporting school harassment is a natural follow-up. A child coming home in tears because of an anonymous social media post or a parent discovering that their teen is the target of a school-wide digital 'call-out' or prank.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the 'mystery' of the bully and the high school social hierarchy. Older teens (17 to 18) will likely resonate more with the anxiety of leaving one's hometown and the nuance of complicated parental relationships.
Unlike many stories that focus solely on the trauma of being outed or bullied, this book prioritizes the 'squad' mentality. It highlights how allyship from straight peers and the support of the broader community can dismantle a culture of silence.
Sky Baker is an openly gay senior in a small Michigan town who plans a grand, private promposal for his crush. When his plan is leaked via a mass email containing homophobic slurs and mockery, Sky is thrust into a public nightmare. With the help of a diverse group of friends, he decides to fight back against the cyberbullying and find the culprit, eventually turning a moment of shame into a movement of community solidarity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review