For teens feeling pressured by judgment or societal expectations, this story bravely explores finding your voice and value, even when the world rates you a 'zero'.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is overwhelmed by the pressure to perform on social media or feels defined by labels and cliques. Rated explores a near-future world where a social credit system dictates every aspect of life. When protagonist Bex’s younger sister is unfairly branded a 'Zero', Bex uses her hacking skills to challenge the system that judges everyone's worth. This sci-fi thriller tackles themes of self-confidence, justice, and the courage it takes to defy societal expectations. It’s an excellent conversation starter for teens aged 13-17 about the dangers of online judgment, digital privacy, and finding your value beyond external validation.
Some scenes of struggle and action-related conflict, but not graphic or gory.
Moral AmbiguityMild
Protagonists engage in illegal hacking for what they believe is the greater good.
Sensitive Topics
The book's primary theme is systemic discrimination based on a social rating system. This is a direct, secular metaphor for real-world issues like social media pressure, surveillance, and classism. The conflict is resolved on a hopeful note, suggesting that collective action and speaking truth can bring about positive change.
Ideal Reader
A teen (13-16) who feels intense pressure from social media, grades, or peer groups. They might feel like an outsider and have a strong sense of fairness. This book is perfect for a young person interested in technology, hacking, and social justice, who enjoys fast-paced dystopian thrillers that feel connected to today's world.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. However, parents might want to familiarize themselves with the concept of social credit systems to discuss the story's real-world parallels. A great follow-up conversation could be about digital privacy and the permanence of an online footprint. A parent overhears their child expressing deep anxiety about their online reputation, number of likes, or being judged by peers. They might say things like, "Everyone thinks I'm a loser," or, "This one post ruined my life."
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the high-stakes plot, the sibling relationship, and the clear fight for justice. An older teen (15-17) will better appreciate the nuanced social commentary on algorithmic bias, surveillance capitalism, and the psychological weight of living a publicly curated life.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA dystopias that focus on a singular 'chosen one', this book emphasizes collective action. Its focus on a social credit system makes it feel incredibly relevant and timely, serving as a direct allegory for the pressures teens currently face on social media platforms. The threat isn't a tyrannical government in the abstract, but a familiar, algorithmic judgment that feels pressingly real.
Read plot summary
In a near-future society, everyone's value is determined by The Rating, a social credit score that dictates their opportunities. High school student Bex is a secret hacker who tries to fly under the radar. But when her younger sister, Cassie, is inexplicably given a permanent rating of Zero, dooming her to a life of ostracization, Bex is forced into action. She connects with the 'Unrated', a group of renegade teen hackers, and uses her skills to expose the corruption and algorithmic bias at the heart of the system that controls their world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Rating system both judges people and influences them to act a certain way to get a higher score. How is this similar to or different from how people behave on social media today?
2
Bex initially hides her hacking skills and her family's past. Why was she afraid to be her true self? Do you ever feel pressure to hide parts of yourself to fit in?
3
The Unrated decide to expose the entire system rather than just changing Cassie's score. Was this the right choice, even though it was riskier? What would you have done in their position?
4
If a system like The Rating existed today, what are some of the rules you think it would use to judge people? Who do you think would benefit the most, and who would be harmed?
