Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Urgent call for "rebel" kids to control their virtual lives.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
How social media and smartphones interfere with the healthy development of tweens is the subject of THE AMAZING GENERATION. Part One introduces the "greedy wizards" in charge of tech companies that design "glowing stones" (smartphones) and "glittering gems" (apps, websites, and games) to make money at the expense of kids. The "wizard" analogy carries throughout the book. Part Two includes chapters about how tech wizards are selling user access, not apps; why so-called "free apps" are not actually free; how tech wizards are hacking and rewiring your brain; and the fact that tech wizards know they are hurting kids and don't care (e.g., cyberbullying, body image issues). Part Three outlines how to resist the tech companies, be a rebel, control screen time, and use technology as a tool to enhance real life. The book is really a call to arms, concluding that "your future is in your hands." An index and a list of additional online sources concludes.
Is It Any Good?
This timely, vitally important guidebook challenges tweens to limit time spent online and turn instead to real-world experiences that promote healthier growth and development. The move away from a play-based to a phone-based childhood is resulting in a dramatic uptick in depression and anxiety according to The Amazing Generation. The "greedy wizard" frame underscores how big tech companies make big bucks at kids' expense. The book's subtitle, Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World is aspirational, but it doesn't capture that this book is really a "guide to becoming a rebel" who resists the wizards' trickery. The dynamic layout presents information and ideas in optimally accessible ways. For receptive kids, statistics provide convincing evidence on the negative impact of too much screen time, though those already addicted to the virtual world are perhaps least likely to read the book. That said, it might serve families as a catalyst for serious discussion. This much-needed book promotes activism against tech companies, taking control of your virtual life, engaging in more real-life experiences, and the joy of more friendship, fun, and freedom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impacts of technology on life as described in The Amazing Generation. What's the role of devices and screen time in your family or home? What about with friends and at school? What do you think about the use of technology in your life?
How much time do you spend on screen time in a typical day? Does your screen time interfere with other interests, friendships, and/or sleep? If so, what might you do about it?
Are you curious about what your life might be like with less screen time? What role do courage and self-control have in making changes?
Some studies show that kids are reading less for pleasure. How much time do you spend on reading for pleasure? Do you think that screen time cuts into your pleasure reading time?
Are smartphones allowed at your school? How do you feel about the school's policy?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Cynthia Yuan Cheng
- Genre : Media
- Topics : Activism , School ( Middle School ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Self-control
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Rocky Pond Books
- Publication date : December 30, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 15, 2026
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