Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fresh cyberthriller explores dark side of social media.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say that this gripping book promises an engaging read but is heavy on violence and dark themes, making it more suitable for older teens. Readers are captivated by the fast-paced narrative, complex characters, and social media dangers, although many noted a disappointing ending and some swearing.
- gripping narrative
- dark themes
- older teen recommendation
- social media dangers
- disappointing ending
- character violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Kaylee Dunham's best friend, Nate, receives an invitation to join a new, secret social media network, neither is prepared for the havoc the site will cause their high school classmates. In exchange for having one of their selected "needs" fulfilled, which might range from a new gaming system to a new kidney for a sick relative, participants agree to perform a clandestine task. At first, these tasks seem harmless, but before long, people are getting hurt -- and even killed. Kaylee and Nate work to uncover the secrets of the NEED network, but they soon realize that they're up against a ruthless opponent with vast capabilities.
Is It Any Good?
Finding a new twist on the cyberthriller takes some hard work and imagination, but this tale of social media run amok has some nifty surprises. Author Joelle Charbonneau devises a sure-fire concept for NEED, pitting impulsive Wisconsin teens against one another as they perform various tasks in expectation of getting their wishes granted. The stakes grow high, the suspense mounts, and characters reveal unforeseen aspects of their personalities. The final confrontation between Kaylee and the villain is a bit too talky, but Charbonneau crafts a solid thriller plot, one with a neat kick at the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between wanting something and needing it. How do you define each action?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being connected nearly constantly through social media? Does social media ever encourage antisocial behavior?
Have governments ever conducted secret experiments on their subjects? What are the dangers of such experiments?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Technology
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HMH Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 3, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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