Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Realistic, moving story of finding courage to be yourself.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 9 kid reviews
Kids say that while the book resonates with many readers due to its relatable characters and strong messages about bullying and self-identity, some found it slow-paced and lacking in excitement. The realistic portrayal of middle school dynamics garners both praise for its depth and criticism for moments that feel dull; nevertheless, the underlying themes encourage reflection and growth among readers.
- relatable characters
- strong messages
- slow pacing
- mixed reviews
- impactful themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In POSTED, Frost regards his friends as a tribe of misfits -- a budding poet, a benchwarmer, a Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, and a music prodigy -- protecting each other from the wolves in middle school. But that starts to change with the arrival of Rose, a bright, bold girl built like a linebacker. She latches on to Frost's tribe, throwing his friendships off-balance. Meanwhile, his friend Deedee reacts to the school's new cell phone ban by leaving sticky notes instead of sending texts. The idea spreads, but soon the proliferating notes escalate to a cruel sticky note war. Frost's tribe is caught in the middle of it. Normally they'd just lie low and try to avoid trouble, but that isn't Rose's style -- she thinks it's time they fight back.
Is It Any Good?
Author John David Anderson offers words of comfort and hope in his insightful portrayal of middle school pressures -- to be liked yet to be yourself, while weighing the risk in every interaction. Through the eyes of the young poet in Posted, he focuses on the power of words: to wound, to protect, to heal. He exposes the casual cruelty of middle schoolers without flinching, but also shows how compassion and strength can still shine brightly.
Frost is a strong narrator, sharing his affection for his quirky friends as well as his self-consciousness about his tribe, and his sometimes regrettable behavior when it comes to Rose. No one gets through the stormy seas of middle school unscathed, Anderson makes clear, but he shows kids how they can steer their own course. A terrific read for jocks, misfits, popular kids, and nerds alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way kids use cell phones in school in Posted. Is it similar to what happens at your school? What are the cell phone rules at your school, and are they effective?
Do you enjoy poetry? Is there a poet or particular poem that resonates with you?
How do you handle cruel comments from classmates?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : School
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Walden Pond Press
- Publication date : May 2, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 16, 2025
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