Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Overlooks online safety, but tweens will swoon for romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say the book has received mixed reviews, with many praising its relatability and positive messages around teenage struggles and mental health, while others criticize the quick progression of the romance and some plot clichés. While it’s seen as a great starter book for younger readers with minimal inappropriate content, opinions vary on the depth of the story and its appeal to older audiences.
- relatable themes
- positive messages
- quick romance
- lighthearted story
- good for young readers
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Penny Porter, a 15-year-old high schooler in Brighton, England, anonymously writes the popular GIRL ONLINE blog. It's a place where she can be honest and cope with life's ups and downs thanks to the blog's supportive followers. Her mother's work provides the opportunity to travel to New York City for Christmas, and Penny is just as happy to get away from the embarrassing video of her falling onstage that's just gone viral. In New York she meets the dreamy Noah, and the two start to fall for each other. But Penny will have to go back home in a few days. What will happen when Penny gets back to reality? And can she and Noah hold on to what they have?
Is It Any Good?
This super-bubbly and saccharine-sweet romance will have tweens sighing and swooning in anticipation of their first love. Older teens and young adults will have a harder time digesting the highly idealized people and situations that surround the predictable plot.
All the upbeat frivolity doesn't leave room for serious discussion about the realities of online safety or the wisdom of posting anonymously. It's a fun, light escape for young romance fans and can be an opening for discussion about these issues with tweens who are just learning about life, both online and off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about facing your fears. What helps you get through things when you're afraid? What would your alter ego be called, and why?
Do you agree with Penny that keeping a diary is pointless and dull? Are there things you might write to yourself that you wouldn't want others to see? Is posting anonymously a good solution for wanting to be read but also wanting to be honest?
Which of Penny's feelings do you most relate to? Are there any that seem unrealistic to you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Keywords Press
- Publication date : November 25, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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