Click'd (Click'd, 1) - Hardcover

Gr 4–6—Allie Navarro has just returned from Code Girls summer camp where her app, Click'd, proved wildly successful. The platform pairs people who share common interests: it's perfect for those who are shy or otherwise uncertain about meeting new friends. Now all Allie has to do is present her app at the Games for Good competition where it could be picked up by a software development company. Eager to share her invention with her friends, Allie prematurely releases it at school where it takes off like a rocket. It begins to spread so quickly, even Allie is amazed. But soon she discovers a glitch in the program that could lead to the sharing of too much information. To fix the glitch, she enlists the help of her chief competition in the Games for Good program. But is he sincere about helping her or will he intentionally sabotage her app in order to win himself? Packed full of middle school drama—best friends, arch enemies, cliques, crushes, and sports—this novel will surely please its intended audience. Fast-paced and tech savvy, Allie's adventures may inspire readers to explore coding. Readers will find a well-written story that supports the premise of remaining true to friends and building strong relationships. VERDICT A well-balanced, motivating story that would complement a discussion about coding or serve as an introduction to coding as a possible career choice.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools