Parents' Guide to

NEED

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Fresh cyberthriller explores dark side of social media.

Book Joelle Charbonneau Technology 2015
NEED Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

Moth
Moth Adult
June 19, 2018
age 16+

Intense and violent

I was surprised to read the description here describing the violence in this book as including "gun play that resultedrin fatal wounds". This is a euphemistic way to say that people are shot to death. The book also includes dogs being slaughtered, suicide, and homicidal ideation. It centers on teens and their use of a social networking site but includes intense situations and very mature themes. Many middle school students may not be capable of processing this material appropriately.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (13 ):

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

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