2021
WISE Score
A sharp, behind-the-curtain look at the K-pop machine that proves being a superstar is way more work than just hitting the high notes.
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This isn't just fan-fiction fluff. Alexandra Leigh Young brings a journalistic eye to the world of K-pop, making the 'trainee' experience feel visceral and exhausting.
It's a great reality check for kids who think being an idol is all glitz and glam. The book is fast-paced, modern, and actually has something to say about the cost of fame. If your kid is spending hours on K-pop TikTok, this is a much better use of their time.
Best for ages 12 and up. It’s a bullseye for any middle or high schooler currently obsessed with K-pop or considering a career in the performing arts.
The story centers on a strong, supportive bond between sisters rather than toxic rivalry. While the K-pop industry it depicts is harsh and demanding, the protagonist's journey is about maintaining her integrity and voice.
It's a realistic contemporary novel, so it's not breaking the laws of physics, but it vividly recreates the high-pressure, creative atmosphere of a music academy and the process of artistic training.
Very safe for its intended YA audience. It deals with the pressures of fame and social media gossip, but lacks graphic content. The most 'unsafe' elements are the depictions of the industry's strict dieting and control, which are handled critically.
Offers a solid look at Korean culture and the mechanics of the global music industry. It encourages media literacy by showing how gossip is manufactured and the human cost of the 'perfect' idol image.
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