Giving a child a phone is a big deal. Not only do phones connect people on many different levels through calls, texting, and social media, they can also provide access to a plethora of information through the internet that is not always appropriate for children.
The below books feature fictional stories containing characters navigating the pros and cons of social media as well as nonfiction books that provide excellent tips and real-life scenarios with quotes from actual kids on how to navigate the power of having a phone.
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FICTION STORIES
Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers by Angela Dominguez, 2025
(Ages 7 and up)
This hybrid chapter book/graphic novel is an entertaining introduction to the ups and downs of social media for elementary-age kids. Nine-year-old Gabby Torres wants to start a social media account for her eco-club, the Sea Musketeers, who want to help protect oceans. Though her parents say no at first, the ultimately agree that she is allowed to run the account with their supervision if she follows certain rules. Gabby’s first post is a hit, until one negative comment sends her spiraling into bad decisions.
Finally Heard by Kelly Yang, 2024
(Ages 9 and up)
After her mother makes a viral video to help sell her homemade bath bombs, 5th grader Lina Gao gets a cell phone and works hard to help local small businesses in her community boost their business using social media. While she begins to use social media for a good cause, she quickly falls into many pitfalls that cause her to become extremely insecure and she makes several bad decisions. Throughout the book, Lina and her friends must learn to navigate social media and stay true to themselves.
This book is the perfect conversation starter about the pros and cons of social media. While it demonstrates how social media helps small businesses reach new customers and form connections with people, it also highlights the dangers of the perceived reality of social media, the negative impact it can have on self-esteem, and how addicting it can be. Different forms of bullying occur as well as a cybersecurity risk that bring up important points on what to share and not to share on social media. In addition to the social media element of the book, the story also addresses Lina’s experience with puberty and how she faces racism and classism.
*This is the sequel to the book Finally Seen by Kelly Yang. While it is the second book in the series, I think it is strong enough to read as a stand-alone story without reading the first book.
Confessions of a Class Clown by Arianne Costner, 2023
(Ages 10 and up)
Based on the fact that goofball seventh grader Jack Reynolds has thousands of MyTube channel followers, one may believe he is the most popular kid in school. However, in reality, he struggles with making and keeping friends. When he is desperate to find a partner in crime for a prank for his MyTube channel, he turns to a friendship speed dating program in his school with surprising results. I just love how authentic the characters in this book feel and how they grow and develop throughout the story.
This book is an important conversation starter on navigating social media and friendships. It brings up many important discussion points about social media including having a private account rather than a public account, cyber bullying, and the way it affects one’s self-esteem. The story is told from multiple points of view, which allows the reader an inside glimpse into what many of the characters are experiencing and feeling. Friendships shift and develop over the span of the story providing prompts of what it means to be a good friend, how to resolve conflict, and the importance of respecting others.
Posted by John David Anderson, 2018
(Ages 10 and up)
Frost is finally finding his place in middle school when a new girl joins his lunch table, disrupting his established circle of friends. At the same time, phones become banned and students resort to communicating through Post-It notes demonstrating how deeply words can both hurt and heal. I love how authentic the characters in this book feel and the important message about the lasting impact of words.
NONFICTION
First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette by Catherine Pearlman, 2022
(Ages 9 and up)
This is the perfect resource to teach children everything they need to know about using a phone. I love how the book is directed at children and empowers them to make good choices with their device. The writing is relatable, engaging, amusing, and extremely helpful.
From avoiding pop-up scams, to cyberbullying, to creating passwords, to healthy habits, a ton of information is included. I’m really impressed with how well-written this book is and the way it emboldens kids to become responsible digital citizens. I believe this is an absolute must-read for both parents and children regarding phone safety!
The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better With the Powerful Device in Your Hand by Jessica Speer, illustrations by Lesley Imgart, 2023
(Ages 9 and up)
This book cleverly combines, facts, anecdotes, and interactive elements that invite the reader to apply what they learned. While a lot is covered, including the dangers of too much screen time and how to detect disinformation, there is a heavy emphasis on social media.
One of the most effective aspects of the book is the cautionary tales provided based on real-life scenarios and what the reader can do to have a more positive and healthier experience as a phone user. I also appreciated that not all the stories are negative. There are also examples of ways teens used social media and their phones to make the world a better place on small and large levels.
I also really liked the format of this book which includes break-out boxes defining words, providing tech tips, and checking for understanding with a short quiz at the end of each chapter.
