Around the World: Boston - Libby's Story

Social media wasn't built with a teenager's mental health in mind—but Libby's generation is the one living with the fallout. In Around the World: Boston, PragerU's newest title for middle and high school readers, thirteen-year-old Libby navigates a familiar modern minefield: the constant pressure to perform an identity online rather than simply grow into one. Written in an age-appropriate, story-driven format, the book follows Libby as she encounters the cultural fads pushing kids toward labels like gender dysphoria and transgenderism — often amplified by algorithms, peer pressure, and school environments rather than genuine self-discovery. Rather than lecturing, the story shows the real cost: anxiety, isolation, and confusion that can follow teens well into adulthood when adults don't step in with honesty and care. Libby's arc offers something increasingly rare in children's media—a young person who questions the crowd, leans on trusted adults, and finds her footing without being defined by a trend. Around the World is PragerU's flagship series for young readers, tackling big, complex ideas (from communism and free speech to energy policy and now digital-age mental health) through relatable characters and clear, honest storytelling. Each book is designed to spark conversation between kids and the adults raising them: parents, grandparents, and teachers looking for material that respects both a child's intelligence and their innocence. Ideal for: Parents looking for a conversation-starter about social media and identity Grandparents seeking values-aligned gifts for tweens and teens Teachers and homeschool educators building age-appropriate character education content Pair Libby's story with the rest of the Around the World series for a full library of age-appropriate lessons in American values, critical thinking, and resilience.