Friend Me

September 15, 2020
The internet can be a dangerous place for young people in this cautionary tale. The story begins with the sad tale of seventh grader Roisin, a recent immigrant from Ireland and the victim of bullying from Zara, a girl at her new school in Boston. The cruelty, which escalates quickly, takes place online and in person, and it doesn't take long before Zara is making Roisin's life unbearable. However, Roisin finds a lifeline in Haley, a girl whom she meets online. Haley seems like a true friend who gives Roisin a place to talk about her feelings, her struggles fitting in, and her need for connection. However, when Zara has a frightening and mysterious accident, and Roisin reflects on things she and Haley talked about privately, she feels a sense of dread and apprehension. Roisin begins to wonder if her supposedly best friend, Haley, might not be who she says she is after all. Readers will begin to put the mystery together just as they race toward the story's climax. The story is a terrifying page-turner largely because its beginning premise is a real, everyday worry: Difficulty with friendships, bullying, and the amplifying and dangerous effects of the internet on relational aggression are part of tweens' and teens' lives and increasingly difficult to navigate. Main characters are White; there is some diversity in the supporting cast. Readers will sleep with the lights on after consuming this fast-paced thriller. (author's note) (Thriller. 9-12)

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October 26, 2020
Former journalist Averbuch makes a vibrant debut with this cyberthriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Dubliner Roisin, the book’s narrator, is excited when her tech expert mother, inventor of a “turbo” Alexa-like digital assistant, lands a job at MIT. Roisin has always wanted to see the States, but her Boston area middle school turns out to be a “snake pit” full of bullies led by mean girl Zara, who cruelly mocks Roisin’s clothes in person and via an app called TokTalk. Even online friend Lily, the daughter of Roisin’s mother’s new boss, brushes her off IRL. Miserable and lonely, Roisin meets a new online friend, Haley, who seems to relate to all her woes, but things get out of hand when a strange accident befalls Zara. In a pertinent drama that sends a clear warning about social media and apps, Averbuch reflects a keen awareness of young adult angst and bullying issues. With this riveting book and through Roisin’s strong voice, she paves the way for a promising future. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary.