
Reach for this book when your teen is navigating the complex ethics of social media, or if they have witnessed how online 'jokes' can lead to real-world harm. This meticulously researched account follows a group of high schoolers in Albany, California, after a private, racist Instagram account is discovered. It explores the heavy weight of shame, the inadequacy of standard school discipline, and the messy process of restorative justice. It is an essential tool for parents of high schoolers who want to move beyond simple 'don't post that' lectures to a deeper understanding of digital impact, empathy, and what it truly means to take responsibility for systemic harm in a digital age.
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Sign in to write a reviewDeals with intense social isolation, public shaming, and emotional distress.
Challenges readers to define justice when there is no clear path to forgiveness.
The book deals directly with racism, misogyny, and cyberbullying. The approach is journalistic and secular, providing a realistic and often uncomfortable look at systemic prejudice. The resolution is ambiguous and realistic rather than neatly tied up, reflecting the ongoing nature of healing and justice.
A high schooler who is active on social media and needs to understand the gravity of digital footprints, or a student interested in law, social justice, and the nuances of human behavior under peer pressure.
Parents should be aware that the book includes descriptions of the actual racist memes and the derogatory language used. It is best read alongside the teen or with open lines of communication to process the intense feelings of anger and shame it evokes. A parent might reach for this after discovering their child is in a 'toxic' group chat, or if their child has been the target of online harassment and feels the school isn't doing enough.
Younger teens (14) may focus on the 'drama' and the immediate social consequences, while older teens (17-18) will better grasp the legal implications and the systemic nature of the racism described.
Unlike many 'don't bully' books, Slater avoids moralizing. She presents the perspectives of both the harmed and the harmer, making it a profound study of human psychology rather than a simple cautionary tale.
Dashka Slater investigates the 2017 events in Albany, California, where a student's private Instagram account featuring racist and sexist memes targeting Black female peers was revealed. The book tracks the fallout for the creator, the followers, the victims, and the school administration, culminating in a complex legal and social battle over free speech and accountability.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.