2018
WISE Score
Amazon
A 23-year-old stumbles into alien-induced internet fame and discovers that being a 'main character' online is a total nightmare.
4.5
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Hank Green basically wrote the manual on how to survive (or not survive) the internet age. It’s a smart, propulsive read that manages to be a sci-fi thriller while also being a very grounded look at why our comments sections are so toxic.
It’s one of those rare books that feels like it was written specifically for the generation that grew up with a screen in their hand. It’s fun, it’s a bit stressful, and it’ll definitely make you want to put your phone on 'Do Not Disturb' for a few hours.
Perfect for 13 and up. While the protagonist is in her 20s, the themes of identity, social media pressure, and finding your place in a chaotic world are peak 'teenager.'
The protagonist, April May, is a messy, flawed 23-year-old who makes plenty of mistakes, but the book's core is about human connection and the collective effort to solve a global mystery. It doesn't shy away from the ugliness of the internet, which feels honest rather than cynical.
The 'Carls'—giant, mysterious alien statues—and the shared global 'Dream' sequence are brilliant sci-fi hooks. It's a fresh take on first-contact that focuses more on human reaction than spaceship battles.
Standard YA-plus fare. There is some profanity (including F-bombs), mentions of drinking, and some sexual references, but it's all grounded in the reality of a young adult's life. No graphic gore or unexpected trauma.
This is a masterclass in media literacy. It explains how fame works, how algorithms radicalize people, and how the 'attention economy' changes who we are. It’s incredibly relevant for any kid growing up with a smartphone.
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