Is going viral worth losing the people who actually care about you? A funny, highly relatable, middle-grade novel that tackles the high-stakes pressures of social media, friendship, and school anxiety.
What if a simple text challenged you to tell the truth… or face the consequences? In One of Us Is Next, Karen M. McManus returns to Bayview High, where a deadly game of Truth or Dare turns classmates into targets.
A razor-sharp, pulse-pounding satire of the publishing world! R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface follows an unreliable protagonist who steals a deceased Asian American writer’s masterpiece. Tackling cultural appropriation, institutional racism, and the paranoia of social media cancel culture, this riveting thriller is an exceptional selection that explores media literacy, unreliable narrators, and complex modern diversity dynamics.
Jesse Q. Sutanto’s The Obsession is a chilling thriller that deconstructs the “perfect romance.” When a stalker witnesses his crush committing a crime, a deadly game of survival begins. Exploring the thin line between devotion and danger, this novel is a gripping look at toxic dynamics and digital privacy—perfect for older teens who enjoy psychological tension and morally gray characters. Note: Best suited for Grade 12+ due to mature themes of manipulation.
Part travelogue and part “Roman Holiday” reimagining, All Roads Lead to Rome follows a diplomat’s daughter caught in a celebrity fake-dating scheme. While the romance is sweet and the setting is breathtakingly vivid, the story offers a timely look at digital reputation and the impact of social media scandals. It’s a perfect pick for students who love stories about travel, identity, and the complexities of living in the public eye.