Unfriended

Reach for this book when your middle schooler comes home feeling invisible, or when you notice the subtle but sharp sting of social media exclusion affecting their self-esteem. Unfriended explores the rapid-fire shift of sixth-grade social hierarchies through the eyes of six different students. It captures the moment a simple 'like' or a missed invitation can spiral into a full-blown reputation crisis. Parents will appreciate how Rachel Vail captures the nuances of digital-age bullying and the pressure to conform, making it an excellent bridge for discussing online ethics and the value of true loyalty. It is a realistic, relatable guide for ages 10 to 14 navigating the choppy waters of popularity and peer pressure.