• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Dex is dropped onto a deserted tropical island to be a player in a social media competition.

Dex is one of six contestants on Dropped!, an internet reality show. He’s glad to escape his real life after being dumped by his girlfriend, Lola, and destroying his social life. He and the other contenders have to spend five days on a deserted island, and the person who gains the most likes and followers will be the winner. The prize is a ton of money and status as an influencer.

Keeping people watching is the challenge, and Dex will do whatever it takes. He needs to win—it’s the only way to get Lola and his popularity back. But on the island, away from his ex, he finds himself flirting with the gorgeous and popular Amina. When Dex keeps placing behind Amina, he realizes he has to be more daring to get the engagements he needs. But how extreme will he need to be? And is it worth it to win?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Bestselling, award-winning author Alice Kuipers has published fourteen books for young readers, including 40 Things I Want to Tell You and the Polly Diamond series. Her work has been published in 36 countries, and she works as a writing coach for The Novelry. She lives in Saskatoon with her four children. www.alicekuipers.com

Alice Kuipers' profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom

“Gently explores concepts that will resonate with teens growing up immersed in social media…A compact, existential, reality-show adventure with strong reluctant reader appeal.”

Kirkus Reviews

“By book’s end, readers will have a great deal to think about in terms of the power of social media, the cost of sacrificing truth for fame, and the limits that need to be adhered to in order to lead an honorable life.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“An extraordinary hi-lo story for teens... filled with action and social commentary.”

CanLit for Little Canadians

“Outstandingly realistic, fun and intense...Dropped! lives up to its promise to be an 'ultra-readable page-turner' and will definitely entice less-than-avid readers to pick it up and zip through its 79 pages…Highly recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials