What do you think?
Rate this book
Instafamous
This funny and fabulous novel about a middle school diva’s hunt for the spotlight speaks to the importance of friendship and family—even in the midst of fame.
Lyric Whitney Houston Darby has always wanted to be famous, just like her superstar mom. So when the hottest music-competition TV show announces auditions in town, it’s her chance to compete—and maybe even score a record deal.
There are just a couple of problems: First, the show requires industry experience. This means Lyric has to audition for her school’s production of The Wiz…as if middle school musicals aren’t totally beneath her. Second, she needs to mega-boost her platform on Instagram. Fast. This show is an influencers-only event!
Luckily she has her besties at her side! Or… does she? As Lyric starts to get everything she ever wanted, her BFFs are coping with their own challenges. Will Lyric be there to lift them up, or is she about to learn the real cost of being instafamous?
This bubbly story is as wise as it is witty, reminding readers of the importance of mental health, and that what you want isn’t always what you need.
Lyric Whitney Houston Darby has always wanted to be famous, just like her superstar mom. So when the hottest music-competition TV show announces auditions in town, it’s her chance to compete—and maybe even score a record deal.
There are just a couple of problems: First, the show requires industry experience. This means Lyric has to audition for her school’s production of The Wiz…as if middle school musicals aren’t totally beneath her. Second, she needs to mega-boost her platform on Instagram. Fast. This show is an influencers-only event!
Luckily she has her besties at her side! Or… does she? As Lyric starts to get everything she ever wanted, her BFFs are coping with their own challenges. Will Lyric be there to lift them up, or is she about to learn the real cost of being instafamous?
This bubbly story is as wise as it is witty, reminding readers of the importance of mental health, and that what you want isn’t always what you need.
- GenresMiddle Grade
336 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
2313 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 27, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
DNF @ 60%
2 stars
It's not that this book is bad. There's probably an audience for it. I can see a lot of pluses: tackling mental health, having characters that are confident in themselves (and how confidence doesn't mean you have no mental struggles), BIPOC characters, the love and strength of a friend group.
However... I couldn't handle Lyric. I'm pretty sure her being the biggest spoiled brat to ever spoiled brat is intentional, and there will likely be an arc and a reckoning for her, but I just can't stick with her to see it through. She's the type of child that makes teachers hate teaching (ignore the fact the teachers in the full 60% of her being an absolute brat never enforce consequences on her). I just don't want to go through with it anymore. Not to mention all the obnoxious language used. Like, I know Gen-A has some really specific slang, but this was just over the top. It's like those popular girls in Disney movies who are so over the top that you just squint at them.
I don't discourage people from picking this up if they to because, again, there's probably an audience for this book. Pre-teens may like it a lot more than I do and even relate to parts. I, however, would rather move on than deal with Lyric anymore.
DNF @ 60%
2 stars
It's not that this book is bad. There's probably an audience for it. I can see a lot of pluses: tackling mental health, having characters that are confident in themselves (and how confidence doesn't mean you have no mental struggles), BIPOC characters, the love and strength of a friend group.
However... I couldn't handle Lyric. I'm pretty sure her being the biggest spoiled brat to ever spoiled brat is intentional, and there will likely be an arc and a reckoning for her, but I just can't stick with her to see it through. She's the type of child that makes teachers hate teaching (ignore the fact the teachers in the full 60% of her being an absolute brat never enforce consequences on her). I just don't want to go through with it anymore. Not to mention all the obnoxious language used. Like, I know Gen-A has some really specific slang, but this was just over the top. It's like those popular girls in Disney movies who are so over the top that you just squint at them.
I don't discourage people from picking this up if they to because, again, there's probably an audience for this book. Pre-teens may like it a lot more than I do and even relate to parts. I, however, would rather move on than deal with Lyric anymore.
September 13, 2024
**An ARC of this book was sent to me in a Goodreads giveaway**
I am trying to expand my middle grade book knowledge, because my personal and professional libraries are lacking and I think it's an underdeveloped genre and there needs to be better options for upper-elementary and middle schoolers when choosing a book to read.
However, this book was not entirely what I was looking for. I enjoyed the premise and liked the idea of a tight knit group of friends hyping each other up, but a lot of the dialogue and monologue from Lyric felt forced throughout. The constant abbreviations felt extremely forced and sometimes unbelievable, ultimately being distracting throughout the story.
Also, Lyric was definitely not a likeable main character. She was very self-centered and sometimes mean to her friends, seemingly without reason. Her character arc and "redemption" towards the end felt a little too late.
I did, however, appreciate the diversity of the ensemble characters! It was nice to see multiple different types of people included and celebrated, as well as the positive mental health representation.
This might be a good read for younger kids, but for middle school (the age I had in mind) it is a little too juvenile.
I am trying to expand my middle grade book knowledge, because my personal and professional libraries are lacking and I think it's an underdeveloped genre and there needs to be better options for upper-elementary and middle schoolers when choosing a book to read.
However, this book was not entirely what I was looking for. I enjoyed the premise and liked the idea of a tight knit group of friends hyping each other up, but a lot of the dialogue and monologue from Lyric felt forced throughout. The constant abbreviations felt extremely forced and sometimes unbelievable, ultimately being distracting throughout the story.
Also, Lyric was definitely not a likeable main character. She was very self-centered and sometimes mean to her friends, seemingly without reason. Her character arc and "redemption" towards the end felt a little too late.
I did, however, appreciate the diversity of the ensemble characters! It was nice to see multiple different types of people included and celebrated, as well as the positive mental health representation.
This might be a good read for younger kids, but for middle school (the age I had in mind) it is a little too juvenile.
September 22, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 are looking for a middle grade read
😍 love books with diverse characters
🎤 were born to be a rockstar
🤥 have ever lied to your parents
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Lyric Whitney Houston Darby has always wanted to be famous, just like her superstar mom. So when the hottest music-competition TV show announces auditions in town, it’s her chance to compete—and maybe even score a record deal.
There are just a couple of problems: First, the show requires industry experience. This means Lyric has to audition for her school’s production of The Wiz…as if middle school musicals aren’t totally beneath her. Second, she needs to mega-boost her platform on Instagram. Fast. This show is an influencers-only event!
Luckily she has her besties at her side! Or… does she? As Lyric starts to get everything she ever wanted, her BFFs are coping with their own challenges. Will Lyric be there to lift them up, or is she about to learn the real cost of being instafamous?
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a pretty cute read that focuses around a 12 year old girl set on following in her mother’s footsteps to become a famous singer. I loved her diverse character background, as well as the diversity of her friends. The way she spoke felt fairly accurate in today’s society, though I only have 2 younger sons who aren’t anywhere near her age, so I could be wrong. The fact that she was so easily going to go behind her mother’s back was a bit concerning, but also made sense. I know I did things I wasn’t supposed to at that age. This was just a little harder for me to relate to since I’m a mother myself. I found myself siding with her more often than Lyric. Overall, I think that 10-12 year old girls would really enjoy this one and easily relate to Lyric and her friends!
📖 are looking for a middle grade read
😍 love books with diverse characters
🎤 were born to be a rockstar
🤥 have ever lied to your parents
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Lyric Whitney Houston Darby has always wanted to be famous, just like her superstar mom. So when the hottest music-competition TV show announces auditions in town, it’s her chance to compete—and maybe even score a record deal.
There are just a couple of problems: First, the show requires industry experience. This means Lyric has to audition for her school’s production of The Wiz…as if middle school musicals aren’t totally beneath her. Second, she needs to mega-boost her platform on Instagram. Fast. This show is an influencers-only event!
Luckily she has her besties at her side! Or… does she? As Lyric starts to get everything she ever wanted, her BFFs are coping with their own challenges. Will Lyric be there to lift them up, or is she about to learn the real cost of being instafamous?
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a pretty cute read that focuses around a 12 year old girl set on following in her mother’s footsteps to become a famous singer. I loved her diverse character background, as well as the diversity of her friends. The way she spoke felt fairly accurate in today’s society, though I only have 2 younger sons who aren’t anywhere near her age, so I could be wrong. The fact that she was so easily going to go behind her mother’s back was a bit concerning, but also made sense. I know I did things I wasn’t supposed to at that age. This was just a little harder for me to relate to since I’m a mother myself. I found myself siding with her more often than Lyric. Overall, I think that 10-12 year old girls would really enjoy this one and easily relate to Lyric and her friends!
November 16, 2024
Instafamous is a heartfelt, funny, and incredibly relatable middle grade novel that perfectly captures the highs and lows of chasing big dreams while navigating the complexities of friendships and self-discovery. Erika J. Kendrick introduces us to Lyric Whitney Houston Darby, a middle schooler with starry-eyed ambitions of becoming famous, just like her singing sensation mom. But as Lyric juggles auditions, social media stardom, and the pressures of school, she quickly learns that fame isn’t as glamorous as it seems—especially when it comes at the cost of the people who matter most.
What makes this book shine is its mix of humor and heart. Kendrick writes with witty, modern prose that makes Lyric's world feel vibrant and alive, while also diving into deeper themes like mental health, resilience, and the importance of showing up for the people who support you. The characters are dynamic and multidimensional—Lyric’s friends, Georgia and Twinkle, add so much warmth and depth to the story, and their own struggles make the book even more powerful.
Kendrick’s thoughtful inclusion of therapy and mental fitness is both refreshing and necessary, as it helps destigmatize important conversations for young readers. The Kirkus review summed it up perfectly: this is a relatable story with valuable mental health representation that every kid needs on their bookshelf.
If you’re looking for a book that’s funny, inspiring, and packed with lessons about friendship, self-esteem, and finding balance between ambition and authenticity, Instafamous is a must-read. It’s perfect for middle schoolers, parents, and anyone who has ever dreamed big while learning how to stay true to themselves. Highly recommend!
What makes this book shine is its mix of humor and heart. Kendrick writes with witty, modern prose that makes Lyric's world feel vibrant and alive, while also diving into deeper themes like mental health, resilience, and the importance of showing up for the people who support you. The characters are dynamic and multidimensional—Lyric’s friends, Georgia and Twinkle, add so much warmth and depth to the story, and their own struggles make the book even more powerful.
Kendrick’s thoughtful inclusion of therapy and mental fitness is both refreshing and necessary, as it helps destigmatize important conversations for young readers. The Kirkus review summed it up perfectly: this is a relatable story with valuable mental health representation that every kid needs on their bookshelf.
If you’re looking for a book that’s funny, inspiring, and packed with lessons about friendship, self-esteem, and finding balance between ambition and authenticity, Instafamous is a must-read. It’s perfect for middle schoolers, parents, and anyone who has ever dreamed big while learning how to stay true to themselves. Highly recommend!
November 16, 2024
Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick is a smart, funny, and deeply engaging middle grade novel that every tween (and their parents!) should read. The story follows Lyric Whitney Houston Darby, a bold and determined middle schooler with dreams of becoming a star. When a hit music competition TV show comes to her town, she’s ready to make her mark. But between managing her role as Dorothy in the school play, growing her Instagram following, and juggling friendships, Lyric quickly learns that chasing fame isn’t as easy—or glamorous—as it seems.
What I loved most about Instafamous is how authentic it feels. Lyric’s voice is fresh and real, and Erika J. Kendrick does an amazing job weaving humor, heart, and important themes into the story. From social media pressures to mental health struggles, the book tackles big topics in a way that’s accessible and relatable for young readers. Lyric’s journey of realizing the importance of showing up for the people who matter most is both touching and inspiring.
The supporting characters, like Lyric’s best friends Georgia and Twinkle, add so much depth to the story. Each of them is dealing with their own challenges, and the way they support each other makes this book a celebration of friendship. Kendrick also beautifully incorporates mental fitness and therapy into the story, breaking down stigmas and encouraging readers to prioritize their emotional well-being.
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts entertaining and meaningful, Instafamous is the perfect pick. It’s a story about ambition, friendship, resilience, and what it really means to stay true to yourself. Highly recommended for middle schoolers, parents, and anyone who loves a good, feel-good story!
What I loved most about Instafamous is how authentic it feels. Lyric’s voice is fresh and real, and Erika J. Kendrick does an amazing job weaving humor, heart, and important themes into the story. From social media pressures to mental health struggles, the book tackles big topics in a way that’s accessible and relatable for young readers. Lyric’s journey of realizing the importance of showing up for the people who matter most is both touching and inspiring.
The supporting characters, like Lyric’s best friends Georgia and Twinkle, add so much depth to the story. Each of them is dealing with their own challenges, and the way they support each other makes this book a celebration of friendship. Kendrick also beautifully incorporates mental fitness and therapy into the story, breaking down stigmas and encouraging readers to prioritize their emotional well-being.
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts entertaining and meaningful, Instafamous is the perfect pick. It’s a story about ambition, friendship, resilience, and what it really means to stay true to yourself. Highly recommended for middle schoolers, parents, and anyone who loves a good, feel-good story!
November 18, 2024
Instafamous is such a fun book! Lyric Whitney Houston Darby is a middle schooler with HUGE dreams of becoming a famous singer, just like her superstar mom. When a big TV music competition comes to town, Lyric thinks this is her big chance. But things get complicated when she realizes she needs "industry experience" (cue her hilarious audition for the school play The Wiz) and a lot more Instagram followers.
What makes this book awesome is how real Lyric feels. She’s funny, confident, and totally determined, but she also makes mistakes—like forgetting how important her friends are when she gets caught up in chasing fame. As she tries to balance everything, Lyric learns some big lessons about friendship, being true to yourself, and what really matters in life.
If you love stories about music, social media, and middle school drama, you’ll love Instafamous! It’s perfect for kids who dream big and want to read about characters who are just like them. Plus, it’s full of funny moments and heartfelt lessons that will stick with you long after the last page. Highly recommend!
What makes this book awesome is how real Lyric feels. She’s funny, confident, and totally determined, but she also makes mistakes—like forgetting how important her friends are when she gets caught up in chasing fame. As she tries to balance everything, Lyric learns some big lessons about friendship, being true to yourself, and what really matters in life.
If you love stories about music, social media, and middle school drama, you’ll love Instafamous! It’s perfect for kids who dream big and want to read about characters who are just like them. Plus, it’s full of funny moments and heartfelt lessons that will stick with you long after the last page. Highly recommend!
October 6, 2024
👧🏻reviews: oh my goodness, this is such a funny book. The sassy-ness and human like characters made this book an entertaining read. I participate in our school band, so it was easy for me to relate to the musical part and the singing competition in the story. I like this one and if you want a funny and entertaining musical book, this one is for you.
October 7, 2024
Positives: diverse characters, relevant issues for readers today, mental health and friendships addressed
Negatives: spoiled main character that was difficult to like (at least for my millennial self), poor vocabulary, length, relatable for only a specific audience (this would not make a good read aloud)
Negatives: spoiled main character that was difficult to like (at least for my millennial self), poor vocabulary, length, relatable for only a specific audience (this would not make a good read aloud)
November 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Got it for my niece but enjoyed it as mucy as she did. The social media and mental health themes were good entryways to having good conversations with her - but also a reminder for me. The humor and sweetness were appreciated throughout the book.
June 21, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
December 22, 2024
Catch up with the squad at Valentine Middle School!
Instafamous, the new middle-grade book from the talented and clued-in Erika J. Kendrick, returns readers to Santa Monica and Valentine Middle School, the setting of her previous novels. While both Magic (Squad Goals) and Brooklyn (Cookie Monsters) make appearances, this new tale is all about Lyric Whitney Houston Darby.
Lyric is a self-confident 12-year-old who wants to follow in her famous singer-mother’s footsteps, but she wants to do it NOW. When her favorite reality musical competition television show, American Rockstar, announces auditions in her hometown of Santa Monica, Lyric is set on participating and confident she’s a shoo-in to win and finally launch her career: all against her mother’s wishes and advice. To qualify, however, Lyric must show proof she has “industry” experience, and the quickest way to get that is by starring in Valentine Middle School’s upcoming production of The Wiz. Lyric is supported in her aspirations and schemes by her BFFs and acolytes, Twinkle and Georgia, who are both facing their own struggles.The plot is fun and lively while exploring important life lessons in friendship, family, honesty, mental health care, and handling attention and fame. The interactions and dialogue among the middle-grade girls felt authentic, and I smiled and laugh-cringed in equal measure. The author subtly includes a diverse range of characters so naturally, you’ll think you were actually back in school yourself. The story resolves nicely with the main character re-discovering what’s truly important in life.
I recommend INSTAFAMOUS to readers of middle-grade fiction, especially those who appreciate strong female characters and fans of the author’s previous work.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.
July 29, 2025
Cute story!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews