For the preteen navigating big changes and seeking their own identity amidst the chaos of others' fame. This story explores self-worth and genuine friendship.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels overshadowed by a sibling or friend, or is struggling to define themselves on their own terms. Delia's mom is a famous TV anchor and her brother is a rock star, meaning paparazzi are a constant part of her life. All she wants is to be normal and find a real friend in her new town, but she begins to suspect her new bestie might be using her for her family's fame. This story sensitively explores the search for self-worth, the meaning of true friendship, and the pressure of living in someone else's spotlight. It's a perfect read for preteens navigating the complex social world of middle school and learning to value who they are, not who they're connected to.
The core topic is identity, approached directly through Delia's internal monologue and external conflicts. The exploration is secular and focuses on personal growth and self-worth. The resolution is hopeful, as Delia takes steps to define herself outside of her family and begins to form a more authentic friendship.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10- to 13-year-old who feels invisible, especially one who lives in the shadow of a high-achieving sibling or a popular friend. It also resonates with kids fascinated by celebrity culture, offering a peek behind the curtain at the less glamorous side.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed. Parents might want to be ready for conversations about what constitutes a true friend, how to handle jealousy, and the ethics of privacy in the modern media landscape. The central friendship conflict is very relatable. A parent has just heard their child say something like, "Everyone only cares about my sister's soccer games," or, "They only like me because I'm friends with Sarah." The child is feeling defined by others and is struggling to be seen for themselves.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely connect most with the friendship drama: Is Willa a good friend or a bad one? They will enjoy the novelty of the celebrity lifestyle. An older reader (12-14) will better appreciate the more nuanced themes of personal identity, the invasive nature of media, and the challenge of carving out your own space in the world.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many middle-grade books about fame which focus on the protagonist's own quest for the spotlight, this book's unique angle is its exploration of second-hand fame. It thoughtfully examines the identity crisis of being adjacent to celebrity, making it a powerful story for any child who feels like a supporting character in their own life.
Read plot summary
Thirteen-year-old Delia's family moves to a new town, and she hopes for a fresh, anonymous start. This is difficult, as her mother is a famous news anchor and her brother is a rock star. She is constantly hounded by paparazzi. She quickly befriends Willa, another new girl who seems to understand. However, a series of suspicious events makes Delia question Willa's motives, leading her to wonder if her new friend is tipping off the photographers. The plot revolves around Delia's struggle to forge her own identity, navigate the complexities of middle-school friendship, and determine who she can truly trust.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Delia feels like she's invisible next to her famous mom and brother. Have you ever felt overshadowed by someone? How did Delia start to find her own identity separate from her family?
2
For a long time, Delia isn't sure if she can trust Willa. What were some of the signs that made her suspicious? In your own life, what are signs that someone is a trustworthy friend?
3
The paparazzi follow Delia everywhere, even when she's just trying to live a normal life. Do you think famous people and their families deserve to have privacy? Why or why not?
4
At the end, Delia takes a risk to trust Willa again. Do you think you would have made the same choice? What does it take to forgive a friend and rebuild trust?
