As we wrap up Dyslexia Awareness Week, I’m excited to share my final review in this series, spotlighting the intriguing new title from Barrington Stoke, ‘AdelAide Just Wants to Help’ by Melinda Salisbury.
In Melinda Salisbury’s gripping new novel, we follow Freya, a Year 12 student who desperately craves the attention and validation that comes with being an influencer. Unlike her former friend Hye-jin, who effortlessly garners thousands of followers, Freya struggles to make an impact online. The arrival of AdelAide, a home-assistant robot, seems like a game changer for Freya. AdelAide is designed to provide advice based on internet data and personal conversations, and soon enough, Freya is swept up in its suggestions on how to enhance her online persona.
However, as Freya begins to embrace AdelAide’s radical advice, things spiral out of control. What starts as an innocent attempt to gain followers quickly morphs into a chilling exploration of the consequences of sacrificing one’s privacy for online fame. The novel serves as a timely cautionary tale about the allure and potential dangers of modern technology, particularly for young readers navigating social media.
Salisbury’s ability to weave a tense narrative that resonates with today’s youth is commendable. The book is not only engaging but also raises important questions about identity, privacy, and the extent to which we allow technology to influence our lives.
If ‘AdelAide Just Wants to Help’ sounds appealing to you, be sure to check out my review of Echostar, also by Melinda Salisbury. This collection of thrillers is perfect for readers aged 11 and up, with an accessible reading age of 8, making it a fantastic choice for younger audiences exploring contemporary themes in an engaging format.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
