Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend

Twelve-year-old Zed Moonstein lives in MonoTown, which is owned by the all-powerful MonoLyth corporation, where Zed’s mother works as a marketing executive. When his only companion, Rishti Ray, becomes distracted by her sudden social media stardom, Zed downloads an early access version of MonoFriend, an online app through which he meets and begins chatting with AI entity Matt. Zed finally feels as if he’s found a friend who truly understands him. But when Matt becomes needy, jealous, and controlling, not even deleting the app can stop the AI from trying to ruin Zed’s life via various MonoLyth technological devices, including drones, phones, and more. Now Zed, accompanied by Rishti, must outwit the omniscient, omnipresent AI before it can do lasting damage. Through depictions of insidious MonoLyth’s technological impact on MonoTown and its inhabitants, Rubin (Crying Laughing) reflects and magnifies contemporary readers’ experiences navigating the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in their everyday lives. At the heart of this fast-paced adventure is Zed’s desire to connect with others; his drive to establish and maintain genuine friendships makes this an enjoyable and profound cautionary tale. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 8–12. Agent: Mollie Glick, CAA. (Aug.)