The Disconnect

Description

Could you last six whole weeks without your phone? Six weeks without sharing photos, without group messages, without being kept in the social-media loop? An eccentric entrepreneur has challenged Esther's year group to do just that, and the winners will walk away with 1000 pounds. For Esther, whose dad, sister and baby nephew live thousands of miles away in New York, the prize might be her only chance to afford flights for a visit ... But can she really stay disconnected for long enough to win? An astute and enthralling examination of the highs and lows of social-media life from one of the most compelling voices in teenage fiction.

Keren David worked as a journalist before publishing her compelling debut YA novel, When I Was Joe, written while taking a course in Writing for Children at City University. She is an associate editor at the Jewish Chronicle. When I Was Joe won six regional awards and was shortlisted for the Branford Boase and UKLA awards. Her books have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal five times.

"Could this novel be any more prescient or pressing? ... While the message of this book is clear enough, its real strength is that it's not preachy ... Highly recommended" -- The Letterpress Project "This short, snappy and entertaining book has an irresistible premise which many teenagers will find relatable" -- BookTrust "An astute, thought-provoking look at the highs and lows of social media" -- The Bookseller "Offers young adults plenty to ponder ... Keren David's balanced approach may chime with teens, whose voices on the benefits of campaigning and informing themselves through the use of phones are not drowned out by any dictatorial parental authority" -- The Echo "Keren David has written a fascinating novella that more than lives up to its topical and intriguing premise... a thoughtful read but also a gripping one" -- Minerva Reads, Blog