Poppy's Work Glove

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the toxic side of social media, the anxiety of peer comparison, or the feeling that their worth depends on their public image. It speaks to the intense pressure of high school hierarchies where one post can change a student's social standing overnight. The story follows the glamorous but deeply flawed lives of privileged New York City teenagers, Blair and Serena, as they navigate betrayal, romance, and the constant surveillance of an anonymous blogger. While the setting is elite and aspirational, the core emotional themes of jealousy, the search for belonging, and the fragility of reputation are universal to the modern teen experience. It is best suited for older teens (14+) due to depictions of underage drinking, sexual situations, and intense social manipulation. Parents might choose this as a conversation starter about digital footprints, the difference between popularity and true friendship, and the reality behind the curated lives we see online.