Virtually Me

By: Chad Morris Grade: 7+ Original Publication: 2023 Award: Buckeye Award

The digital age presents a challenging labyrinth, especially within the high school environment. With technology shaping daily interactions, I thought this book would help guide me through the minds of teenagers. In the end, Virtually Me by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown showed me that growing up and coming of age is a universal experience, transcending the specific realities of our time.

Allow me to explain, Virtually Me delves into the lives of Bradley, Edelle, Hunter, Jasper, and Keiko, teenagers navigating a world where the pandemic has transformed school into a series of virtual interactions. The story captures their struggles with distractions like appearances, social media followers, and popularity in a setting drastically different from what they are used to. Reading this book, I learned about the unique pressures teenagers face in the digital age and the resilience they develop in response. The narrative challenged my views on how technology impacts social dynamics and personal growth, highlighting both the advantages and pitfalls of our increasingly digital lives.

Virtually Me, a book that offers a poignant exploration of adolescence in the digital age, making it a perfect addition to the Ultimate Library. The book aligns with my belief that technology can connect people and offer innovative learning opportunities, but it also challenges my perception of technology as an entirely positive force. By exposing the superficiality of online interactions and the pressure to conform to virtual standards of popularity, the story emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and integrity in both virtual and real-world interactions. This message resonates with my understanding of right and wrong, reinforcing the value of being true to oneself and valuing genuine relationships. The book provides valuable insights into the complexities of teenage life today, Which would be a perfect addition to The Ultimate Library. urging readers to reflect on the impact of technology on their lives and relationships, and highlighting the enduring importance of authenticity, resilience, and genuine human connection.