How to Be Popular

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is feeling invisible, struggling with school social hierarchies, or contemplating changing who they are just to fit in. It is an ideal choice for the student who feels like an outsider and needs a humorous, relatable way to process the pressures of popularity and peer perception. Steph, the protagonist, attempts to climb the social ladder using a 1970s guidebook, only to find that the view from the top might not be worth what she leaves behind. The story explores themes of self-confidence, loyalty to old friends, and the superficiality of high school cliques. Written by Meg Cabot, it offers a lighthearted yet insightful look at the middle and high school experience. While the setting is secular and focuses on typical teen social dynamics, it provides a safe space for parents and teens to discuss the difference between being known and being truly seen.