Everyone Wants to Know

Bibliographic Information

Title: Everyone Wants to Know

Author: Kelly Loy Gilbert

ISBN: 978-1665901369

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Copyright Year: 2023

Format: Print book

Genre: Family fiction, Friendship fiction

Reading Level / Interest Level: 12+ years

---

Plot Summary

Nathan and Melissa Lo are a biracial couple with Chinese and White heritage. They are well-known influencers, podcast hosts, and best-selling authors and have numerous brand partnerships. Their family's life appears meticulously planned and curated for the public eye. And their image as the "Lo" brand is carefully cultivated. During the graduation party of one of their children, Nathan stuns everyone by announcing his decision to move out and rent an apartment in Brooklyn. However, this announcement is soon released in a magazine. This unexpected move poses a potential threat to the carefully crafted image of the "Lo" brand. As the main protagonist in this situation, I face a delicate and challenging dilemma.

---

Author Background

Kelly Loy Gilbert is a firm believer in the transformative power of stories, which she sees as a means to shed light on the common humanity we all share and to give voice to multifaceted and flawed individuals. She resides in the San Francisco Bay Area (Kelly Loy Gilbert, n.d.).

---

Critical Evaluation

This book utilizes a first-person narrative to create a realistic, immersive story set in California. Readers familiar with the region will recognize many familiar places, allowing them to immerse themselves in the setting deeply. The book's topic holds significant relevance in the digital age, as it explores the consequences of teenagers freely sharing personal information online without consideration. Through its compelling narrative, the story prompts readers to reflect on the importance of privacy and the potential risks associated with oversharing in today's digital world. The book's real-life implications make it a thought-provoking and relevant read, encouraging readers to consider their online behaviors and the impact of publicly sharing personal information.

---

Use in a Library Program

This book is an ideal selection for a book club focused on topics such as online bullying and online security. Its narrative delves into the complexities of the digital age, exploring themes related to the impact of technology on personal privacy and the potential dangers of online interactions.

---

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer

As the Lo family's life seems picture-perfect, no one truly knows what lies beneath the surface in a world where everyone's eyes are on the Lo family. As rumors swirl and tensions escalate, the protagonist must navigate betrayal, jealousy, and deception.

---

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

The book delves into topics like online bullying, online security, and the darker side of social media. Due to the nature of these themes, some readers or parents might find them uncomfortable or unsuitable for certain age groups. Therefore, librarians should carefully consider the book's content and age-appropriateness when recommending it to readers.

---

Reason For Inclusion

The book effectively engages readers by presenting the story from a first-person perspective and incorporating relatable settings, making them more receptive to the underlying messages and encouraging critical thinking about their online practices. It is an entertaining read and a valuable tool for fostering meaningful discussions about digital privacy and responsible online behavior among teenagers.

---

References

Kelly Loy Gilbert. (n.d.). Kelly Loy Gilbert. https://kellyloygilbert.weebly.com/