EMILY POSTS

An aspiring social media influencer navigates friendship woes while advocating for climate change.

Inspired by her idol, Emily Post, 13-year-old Emily Laurence has a precise plan for her rise to social media influencer fame—guided by proper etiquette, of course. Unfortunately, things aren’t going according to plan. For starters, she’s acquired an infuriating new stepfamily. Emily’s mom also confiscated her phone when she violated her social media restrictions, and she needs it back in time for the local climate march. The school principal is punishing her for posting an unauthorized episode of the podcast she hosts with best friend Simone Ahn, which means likely losing out on meeting Asha Jamil, her social media influencer idol, when she comes to their middle school. And now the annoyingly alluring (and vegan!) new girl, Amelie Cattaneo, is co-hosting the podcast with Simone. Written from Emily’s first-person perspective, this story neatly lines up plot points, and the friendship dynamics are handled deftly, but quick resolutions and interrupted conversations prevent authentic, age-appropriate explorations of relevant topics. There’s a clear message that climate change is a problem, but ways to have a meaningful impact are explored on a surface level. At times, Emily’s narration seems oblivious to her own affluent privilege. Emily reads white; contextual clues point to some ethnic diversity in the supporting cast.

Useful as a starting point for more nuanced conversations about internet safety and climate change.