10 Best Internet-themed Young Adult Books Featuring Net Culture
In the digitized era we live in, it's not surprising that many authors are turning to the internet as a universal backdrop for their stories. Our list of "10 Best Internet-themed Young Adult Books Featuring Net Culture" epitomizes this trend perfectly, capturing the essence of the digital world within the confines of printed pages or e-books. From the glossy veneer of social media influencers to the darker crevices of online anonymity, we've compiled a thought-provoking collection that reflects the dynamics of net culture in an engaging way. These books aren't merely set in online spaces - they engage with them, criticize them, and celebrate them, too. Each novel serves as a tribute to the complex, often contradictory nature of cyberspace, embodying both its advantages of global connections and its disadvantages of uncanny isolation. Illustrated with compelling narratives, relatable characters, and commentary on digital ethics, these stories truly captivate the attention of the young-adult reader. These novels unravel the veil of online pretense, harboring reflections on identity, relationships, and the growing prevalence of screen culture. Whether you're a digital native or a curious outsider, you're bound to find a resonance with these novels that put net culture front and center. Prepare to be intrigued, perplexed, and amazed as you delve into our top 10 list.
『Tweet Cute』
"A witty rom-com reinvention ... with deeply relatable insights on family pressure and growing up.” - Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of Always Never Yours and If I’m Being Honest “An adorable debut that updates a classic romantic trope with a buzzy twist." - Jenn Bennett, author of Alex, Approximately and Serious Moonlight A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected. One of Forbes Best YA of 2020 Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming — mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account. Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time. All’s fair in love and cheese — that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life — on an anonymous chat app Jack built. As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate — people on the internet are shipping them?? — their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected.
Author | Emma Lord |
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Price | $9.99 |
Publisher | Wednesday Books |
Release Date | Jan 21, 2020 |
Source | Google Books |
『Girl Online』
"The first novel by Zoella"--Title page.
Author | Zoe Sugg |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | Simon and Schuster |
Release Date | Aug 30, 2016 |
Source | Google Books |
『Want to Go Private?』
Abby and Luke chat online. They've never met. But they are going to. Soon. Abby is starting high school--it should be exciting, so why doesn't she care? Everyone tells her to "make an effort," but why can't she just be herself? Abby quickly feels like she's losing a grip on her once-happy life. The only thing she cares about anymore is talking to Luke, a guy she met online, who understands. It feels dangerous and yet good to chat with Luke--he is her secret, and she's his. Then Luke asks her to meet him, and she does. But Luke isn't who he says he is. When Abby goes missing, everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don't, they'll never see Abby again.
Author | Sarah Darer Littman |
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Price | $5.99 |
Publisher | Scholastic Inc. |
Release Date | Oct 01, 2011 |
Source | Google Books |
『Gena/Finn』
Gena and Finn would have never met but for their mutual love for the popular show Up Below. Regardless of their differences—Gena is a recent high school graduate whose social life largely takes place online, while Finn is in her early twenties, job hunting and contemplating marriage with her longtime boyfriend—the two girls realize that the bond between them transcends fanfiction. When disaster strikes and Gena's world turns upside down, only Finn can save her, and that, too, comes with a price. Told through emails, text messages, journal entries, and blog posts, Gena/Finn is a story of friendship and love in the digital age.
Author | Hannah Moskowitz/Kat Helgeson |
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Price | $20.99 |
Publisher | Chronicle Books |
Release Date | May 17, 2016 |
Source | Google Books |
『Follow Me Back』
"Follow Me Back is the perfect mix of fandom with just the right amount of suspense. An enthralling page turner from beginning to end." —ANNA TODD, New York Times bestselling author of the After series There's a fine line between fandom...and obsession. Tessa Hart's world feels very small. Confined to her bedroom with agoraphobia, her one escape is the online fandom for pop sensation Eric Thorn. When he tweets to his fans, it's like his speaking directly to her... Eric Thorn is frightened by his obsessive fans. They take their devotion way too far. It doesn't help that his PR team keeps posting to encourage their fantasies. When a fellow pop star is murdered at the hands of a fan, Eric knows he has to do something to shatter his online image fast—like take down one of his top Twitter followers. But Eric's plan to troll @TessaHeartsEric unexpectedly evolves into an online relationship deeper than either could have imagined. And when the two arrange to meet IRL, what should have made for the world's best episode of Catfish takes a deadly turn... Told through tweets, direct messages, and police transcripts, this thriller for the online generation will keep you guessing right up to the shocking end. Follow Me Back Series: Follow Me Back (Book 1) Tell Me No Lies (Book 2)
Author | A.V. Geiger |
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Price | $8.79 |
Publisher | Sourcebooks, Inc. |
Release Date | Jun 06, 2017 |
Source | Google Books |
『At First Blush』
Finding the perfect lip gloss? Easy. Finding your way in the world? A whole lot harder . . . Who would have thought that a teenager could have a successful career creating makeup tutorial videos on YouTube? For Lacey Robbins, this dream has been her reality. An up-and-coming YouTuber, she has thousands of fans and can't wait for the day when her subscriber count reaches the one million mark. And when she is offered a high school internship at On Trend Magazine, she figures that this could be the make it or break it moment. But sometimes your dream job isn't all that it seems. Her editor is only interested in promoting junk products, and her boss in the Hair and Makeup department introduces her to the larger world of makeup artistry, making her wonder if making tutorials online is all she is meant to do. To top it all off, when the magazine's feature subject, musician Tyler Lance, turns his broodingly handsome smile her way, falling for him could mean losing her fans, forcing her to make a decision: her YouTube life or her real life? Fans of Zoella's Girl Online will fall right into the world of this YA The Devil Wears Prada and stay hooked from the first blush to the last glossy kiss.
Author | Beth Ellyn Summer |
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Price | $3.82 |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing USA |
Release Date | Apr 04, 2017 |
Source | Google Books |
『The Future of Us』
What if you could see how your life would unfold--just by clicking a button? It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet. Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM. Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future. Everybody wonders what their destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.
Author | Jay Asher/Carolyn Mackler |
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Price | unknown |
Publisher | Penguin |
Release Date | Oct 16, 2012 |
Source | Google Books |
『The Boy Next Door』
To: You (you) From: Human Resources (human.resources@thenyjournal.com) Subject: This Book Dear Reader, This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City’s leading photo-newspaper. Please be aware that according to our records you have not yet read this book. What exactly are you waiting for? This book has it all: Humor Romance Cooking tips Great Danes Heroine in peril Dolphin-shaped driftwood sculptures If you wish to read about any of the above, please do not hesitate to head to the checkout counter, where you will be paired with a sales associate who will work to help you buy this book. We here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and lose as one as well. Don’t you want to be on the winning team? Sincerely, Human Resources Division New York Journal Please note that failure to read this book may result in suspension or dismissal from this store. *********This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism.*********
Author | Meg Cabot |
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Price | $13.99 |
Publisher | Harper Collins |
Release Date | Mar 17, 2009 |
Source | Google Books |
『Top 8 (The Top 8 Trilogy, Book 1)』
Social networking sites are THE place to be for today's teens -- this fun, juicy novel explores the ups, downs, and scandals of a group of friends online!Madison MacDonald is seriously freaking outMadison MacDonald16Putnam, CTStatus: Single?About Me:Everything in my life was working out. I had my three best friends, a brand-new boyfriend, and the lead in the school play. Aside from that history paper I hadn't started, things felt perfect.Then I returned from spring break to find my Friendverse profile hacked. Someone clearly out to ruin me had spilled the most damaging secrets - AND posted the worst photos of me ever taken - online.
Author | Katie Finn |
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Price | $5.99 |
Publisher | Scholastic Inc. |
Release Date | Oct 01, 2010 |
Source | Google Books |
『ttyl - 10th Anniversary update and reissue』
It’s time for a new generation of readers to discover the phenomenally bestselling and beloved series, told entirely in messages and texts. With a fresh look and updated cultural references, the notorious list-topping series is ready for the iPhone generation. First published in 2004 (holy moly!), ttyl and its sequels follow the ups and downs of high school for the winsome threesome, three very different but very close friends: wild Maddie (mad maddie), bubbly Angela (SnowAngel), and reserved Zoe (zoegirl). Through teacher crushes, cross-country moves, bossy Queen Bees, incriminating party pics, and other bumps along the way, author Lauren Myracle explores the many potholes of teenagedom with the unflinching honesty and pitch-perfect humor that made this series a staple of young adult literature.
Author | Lauren Myracle |
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Price | $8.06 |
Publisher | Abrams |
Release Date | Feb 18, 2014 |
Source | Google Books |
So, there you have it folks! This is the cream of the crop when it comes to the intersection of the internet and young adult fiction. Each of these books embraces the unique attributes that resonate with netizens and the values inherent in this cyber generation. From hacking sagas to online love stories, these narratives explore nuanced digital landscapes while juggling youthful struggles and growing pains. If you want an authentic glimpse into the lives of gamers, influencers, coders, or just regular teens trying to figure out their identities amidst the all-consuming digital age, then these novels are just the ticket. They not only entertain but also shed a crucial light on the dynamic, often puzzling processes of online culture, facilitating both understanding and empathy. By reading these books, you are in essence navigating the rabbit hole of net culture. And remember, these tales are written for young adults, but the lessons they impart, and the narratives they craft, are really universal. You're never too old to dive back into the complexities of youth, especially if it's accessorized with exciting digital twists. Happy reading!
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