About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts obsessing over their digital footprint or feels the suffocating pressure to perform for an online audience. It is an essential read for the middle school transition, particularly for children who are beginning to prioritize 'likes' and 'follows' over genuine, face-to-face connections. The story follows twelve-year-old Ella as she is recruited by a popular classmate to build a joint social media brand, a process that slowly erodes her sense of self and her existing friendships. Megan McCafferty expertly captures the anxiety of the 'curated life' and the subtle ways peer pressure can lead a child to abandon their true interests. While the plot focuses on the digital world, the heart of the book is about the courage required to be authentic when the world rewards performance. It is a secular, highly relatable guide for navigating the complex social hierarchies of seventh grade, making it a perfect conversation starter for families discussing digital citizenship and self-worth.
