Influenced

by Sarah Darer Littman, Cindy L. Otis

Lainey’s tenth grade year isn’t going according to plan. Her twin brother moved across the country to live with their dad and stepmom, leaving Lainey behind. And Lainey’s starting to realize that maybe most of her friends were really her brother’s friends. Thank goodness for her friend Bliss.

Bliss is navigating her own tough sophomore year, determined to find her place. But no matter what’s going on in her life, Bliss is really good about being there for Lainey. She’s confident and fearless, all that Lainey wishes she could be. It seems like Bliss is getting everything she’s ever wanted, including a new boyfriend and becoming the first wheelchair user to land a lead role in the school production.

What no one knows is that Bliss is struggling—both at school and with her parents. When things get worse for Bliss, Lainey stops hearing from her completely. Worried that something awful has happened, Lainey rushes to find out what’s going on. But when Lainey arrives at Bliss’s apartment, nothing is what it seems, and everything Lainey thought she knew about her friend is a lie . . .

Genres: Young Adult, Mental Health, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Social Media, Disability, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

Sarah Darer Littman is an award-winning author of books for teens. She lives in Connecticut, in a house that never seems to have enough bookshelves.

Reviews

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a good read for middle schoolers and up. So many students say they don't need to study in school because they are going to become an athlete or an influencer. They are going to "make the big bucks." Is being an influencer all that it is cracked up to be? Influenced by Sara Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis, although fiction, takes a hard look at this lifestyle and how it can change a person's life.

What I Liked About Influenced:

I'm intrigued by influencers. I'm a sucker for a good reality show. What I don't usually think about is how the person became an influencer in the first place or how it has changed their life. This story is centered around two high school girls in the 10th grade. Elizabeth, known as "Bliss" online, has cerebral palsy and became an instant Tik Tok sensation by accident. Lainey, like many other people, starts to respond to Bliss and believes that Bliss is now her best friend.

My heart went out to Bliss. She always wanted to be an influencer, until she didn't. She realized that it isn't as easy as it looks, and it can start controlling her life. It also starts controlling her relationships with people. Lainey is dealing with divorced parents, and a twin brother who moved across the country to live with their dad and his new family.

Littman and Otis portrayed the high school characters in a very true way. Between friendships, bullies, family problems and the romances that start to blossom, high school is hard. I'm just so thankful that I didn't have social media around to throw into that mix. The characters are realistic, and I believe that young adults will enjoy this book. I also believe that I will never be too old to enjoy a good YA book. This would be a great book for discussion in any secondary classroom.

This is an easy read. It is told from two different viewpoints, and in different timelines. I like how the authors threw in some surprises by setting up the book this way.

Where To Buy Influenced and More:

Purchase Influenced: https://amzn.to/3UsBGsm

If you liked this book, I also recommend these other coming-of-age books:

Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann

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The Sister Switch by Charlotte Butterfield

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What's Yours Is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley

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Read more of my book reviews: https://judiholst.com/book-reviews/

Missed my Top Books of 2024? Find them here: https://judiholst.com/top-20-books-th...

Thank you to NetGalley, Scholastic, Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Who is your favorite influencer and why? I’d love to hear the stories.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of INFLUENCED by Sarah Darer Littman in exchange for my honest review. ***

Lainey, a socially awkward teenager believes she’s developed a friendship with teen influencer Elizabeth “Bliss”, a disabled girl with CP. Lainey decides that she needs to travel to NYC to “save” Bliss from herself leading Elizabeth to feel as if she’s being held hostage.

I had a lot of empathy for Bliss, whose influencer business has grown out of control, causing her parents to rely on her producing content to support their family. Though she doesn’t want to continue she feels pressured by her parents to accept sponsorship.

Though Lainey’s predicament was not entirely if her own making and she clearly had issues other than her obsession with Bliss, she was much less sympathetic.

Sarah Darer Littman has written another topical story of teenage emotional issues. Classrooms and libraries should stock several copies.

[Willa · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG this book was soooo good. There were some slow parts, but other then that this book has something for everyone.

[Lost in Book Land · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hi Again!

I am still going full steam ahead with reading. I know the year is wrapping up soon (there are only 2 months left after this week, which seems so wild). I definitely want to try to read even more in these two months; there are just so many good reads out there that I am beyond interested in picking up, and so many books on my own shelves that I want to give my attention to. However, this review is going to be super short, as I ended up DNF’ing this book about ten percent of the way in. I really wanted to read this story and like it; however, as I started reading more and more, I found one of our two main characters kind of got on my nerves. (I know this is just me, and I will definitely try this again.) But for now, I think I just need to step away and put the story down. I know this is a newer release, so let me know in the comments if you happened to pick this one up and what your thoughts were.

Goodreads Rating: 1 Star (DNF’d)

**Thank you so much to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great novel for anyone who spends a lot of time on social media. The book is written in the alternating point of views of two girls struggling to navigate their sophomore year at different high schools. One girl is living her life publicly in the online spotlight while the other is doing everything she can to fade into the background. Eventually their realities collide and as expected, things are not quite what they appear to be. There is a lot about this book I really enjoyed- it was compulsively readable and even though it was written for a YA audience, it is totally appropriate for my middle schoolers. I just wish that both main characters had some better positive influences in their lives- each of them was surrounded by terrible family members"friends" and had crappy parents. Overall a solid story with a good lesson.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Influenced by Sarah Darer Littman is an interesting take on the social world we now live in. Who are your friends online? Are you watching a curated reality in order for them to gain more followers? What lengths will influencers go to in order to get you to like and subscribe? Lainey's world has been rocked but finding a bright spot online in the form of Bliss' account makes it feel like someone else finally gets her. Bliss' life has been anything but easy, finding a place in the online world has made her have the super human ability to navigate it. These two worlds collide and lives change in this teen story that unfolds.

Thank you to Scholastic Press for the advanced reader copy via Net Galley for my honest review.

[BookBeautyReading Chelsie Gutierrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for our school library wasn’t for me but it was a good book for kids.

[Gina Malanga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tell my students all the time that I’m so glad that I grew up in a time where there was no social media because for all the good things about it, there are so many more bad things that just seem designed to make kids feel badly about themselves. In this book, Lainey has had some big changes in her life and doesn’t quite know how to deal with them and her social anxiety. Elizabeth, or Bliss as she’s known online, has a moment of notoriety on the street, but her dream will be becoming an influence are quickly becomes more like a nightmare. While the book is really about both of their stories and how they get to the point that they get it’s also about this idea of para social relationships. As we watch people over and over again on Instagram or TikTok or even Snapchat, the viewer at home begins to think that they know this person And if they interact with them in anyway that this person cares about them. Unfortunately, so much of what’s on social media is fake or the very least curated and it means that those relationships aren’t always real. While there is certainly a place for things like fandom’s where people with mutual interest can come together and support a person, a book, or a movie, this is very different where someone imagines relationship that isn’t really there. I think this book is super timely and definitely one I would bring into my classroom to have discussions with my students about.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

In a world where social media dominates teenage life, “Influenced” by Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis is a timely and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of parasocial relationships and influencer culture. Told primarily from the perspective of Lainey before shifting into both Lainey and Bliss’s perspectives after a specific twist, the book follows Lainey’s deep admiration—bordering on obsession—for teen influencer Bliss, a confident, seemingly perfect content creator with CP. However, as the story unfolds, shocking truths emerge, forcing both Lainey and Bliss to confront their own struggles and reevaluate their identities.

At the heart of the novel is Lainey, a girl struggling with anxiety, loneliness, and her parents’ recent divorce. With her twin brother moving across the country to live with their dad, Lainey finds solace in the online world, particularly in Bliss, who seems like the perfect friend—supportive, fearless, and always there. But when Bliss suddenly disappears from social media, Lainey becomes convinced that something is wrong and takes matters into her own hands by traveling to New York City to “save” her. This decision sets off a series of events that reveal the stark difference between Bliss’s influencer persona and her real life.

The book alternates between Lainey’s perspective and Bliss’s journal entries, offering insight into both characters. Bliss, who has cerebral palsy, is dealing with immense pressure from her parents, who have come to rely on her influencer income to support the family. The story highlights the darker side of online fame—the loss of privacy, the unrealistic expectations, and the toll it takes on mental health. At times, Bliss feels like a prisoner in her own life, and Lainey’s well-intentioned but misguided intervention only makes things worse.

What makes “Influenced” especially compelling is its nuanced exploration of parasocial relationships—one-sided connections where fans feel an intimate bond with influencers who don’t even know they exist. Lainey’s unhealthy reliance on Bliss as a coping mechanism for her own problems is painfully relatable, as is Bliss’s struggle with losing control over her own life. The book doesn’t villainize either character but instead presents a balanced look at how social media can blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

Despite the serious themes, the book maintains an engaging and accessible tone, with moments of humor and self-discovery. Lainey’s character development is particularly satisfying as she learns to manage her anxiety through therapy and starts forming healthier relationships in the real world. The ending is both hopeful and realistic, as both girls begin to move forward, learning from their experiences.

With its insightful commentary on influencer culture, mental health, and online relationships, “Influenced” is an eye-opening and relevant read for today’s digital generation. It’s a must-have for classrooms and libraries, offering an important conversation starter for teens navigating the ever-evolving world of social media.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my daughter was in elementary school, she came to me in tears one day. Her favorite YouTubers, Popular MMOs’ Pat and Jen were getting a divorce, and my poor child was crushed. It’s a great example of what we call a parasocial relationship, in which we feel a connection with public or professional figures, but the relationship is all on our side, or only minimally on the side of the other person.

This is the case in Influenced.

Lonely Lainey has been following Bliss on social media, entranced by her talent, uplifted by her positive content, and heartened by Bliss’ replies to Lainey’s DMs. So when Bliss makes a post about being “done”, Lainey rushes to Bliss’ home, urgently trying to save her friend from some kind of self harm.

Only problem is, Bliss—actually Elizabeth—has no clue who Lainey is. Lainey, who has sent Bliss a gift, and has been knitting her a sweater. Lainey, who has poured out her heart to Bliss through DMs.

Elizabeth has used an accidental viral moment to re-create herself as Bliss and become an advocate for disability awareness. A wheelchair user, Elizabeth has cerebral palsy, which doesn’t prevent her from dreaming of a career on Broadway.

It’s in the aftermath of Lainey’s visit that things get really interesting, as she comes to realize the truth of the situation. Elizabeth has her own problems, as her parents have come to depend on her influencer status and endorsement deals for income.

This book makes a great commentary on the power—both positive and negative—of social media and how easily we fall into parasocial relationships. The ideas of fame and notoriety ring true. Dialogue is natural. You can’t help but feel sorry for Lainey and her social anxiety, but she also is stubborn and blind to her own flaws. Elizabeth finds that her fame is not what she had expected it to be, and also has to confront her parents and make them listen to what she really wants.

Possible objectionable material:
Parental infidelity, divorce and remarriage. Parental manipulation. Heavy social media use. Manipulative friendships. Lainey doesn’t tell anyone she’s going to find Bliss. Mention of a same-gender couple. I didn’t note any swear words.

Who might like this book:
Anyone interested in the effects of social media.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #SarahDarerLittman #CindyLOtis #YA #CerebralPalsy #Influenced

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter how old I get I will always love YA novels. While they have a simplistic writing choices they usually pack very powerful messages and have complex story lines that will appeal to everyone not just young adults. This book is one that proves the YA genre is for everyone as its strong message is able to resonate through multiple generations of readers. This book centers around two main characters Lainey and Bliss a young teen and an internet influencer. As the two girls connect it soon becomes clear that not everything online is as it seems to be. And when fame and notoriety become more than she can handle Bliss' online persona goes dark. Convinced there is more to this story Lainey takes it upon herself to find Bliss and to help save her. With a duel timeline and a duel perspective it was a little bit hard at times to really get a good grip on what was happening and keeping everything straight, however I understood why it was necessary to the story. There were so many themes in this book and it was a lot deeper than I had originally expected. There is so much to learn from this book that I believe any adults will be able to relate as well. While this is a YA book I do feel that it shows good messages and takes what could be very dark and difficult scenarios and presents them with a lighter tone. I really enjoyed Bliss' character I think she was very three dimensional and easy to relate to for the younger readers she was also very likeable which made for a much smoother story. Very good read a nice and quick one that will leave you guessing. Everything I expected from this book changed with every chapter and I was always on my toes. Pretty good read just a little bit flat at parts and a little bit disconnected in plot at times.

[A Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid YA read that avoided using over-inflated drama to get its message across. It’s divided into different sections that shift in time, starting with a “Now” section before shifting to the past then back to the present. This was well done, and drew me in quickly, especially with how the first section ended.

The book focuses on the unreality of social media, how easy it is to see someone’s perfectly presented life and envy it, thinking they have it all figured out. But in reality their life is something much different. The two protagonists were used to explore this really well. It also explores the mental strain that being an influencer often causes, as well as the stress placed on younger influencers when they’re pushed to commoditize themselves. I also really appreciated the critical discussion of using your platform to discuss an issue (in this case Cerebral Palsy), but not wanting it to be turned into your whole personality, and how no one on the internet will be happy with whatever direction you take.

Where this book was a little weaker was that it was difficult to become situated in the dual POV at the beginning of the work, as well as the first time shift making it feel a little disjointed for several chapters. Both of these issues did smooth out eventually, though. I also wondered if this read may be a little too slow and introspective for the younger age range (Middle School) as it did have its slow moments. It might be more enjoyable for younger high school readers. My thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sally Kruger]

INFLUENCED is a timely book about the perils of online scrolling especially for teens. Authors Littman and Otis tell a tension-filled story about two girls who connect online and how each of their lives is forever changed.

Lainey isn't looking forward to tenth grade. Surviving school won't be the same without her twin brother Aidan. After their parents' divorce, Aidan chose to move from the east coast to California to live with their father. Lainey has always been the shy one and has relied on Aidan to speak up for her. Now that she's on her own, she is finding it difficult to connect with her usual friends who seem to be going their separate ways this year.

While using the internet, Lainey stumbles across a video that has gone viral. It is a video of a girl in a wheelchair whose two friends help her out when her wheelchair breaks down. Thousands of people are commenting on the video, some positively and others with mean remarks about people with disabilities.

Lainey begins exchanging DMs with the girl known as Bliss. She is a good listener, and the more Lainey connects with her the more Bliss seems to understand Lainey.

Bliss (Elizabeth) can't believe how her videos have exploded online. She begins getting sponsorship offers and her followers are soon over 500,000+. Her parents become involved as managers of her online presence. Neither Bliss nor Lainey ever imagined how out of control the situation can become.

INFLUENCED is perfect for YA readers. This story will help internet users understand the power of influencers and the power of exposing our lives online. This is a must-have for classroom, school, and public libraries.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lainey is struggling, both at school and at home. Her twin brother moved out of state to live with their dad after a messy divorce, and Lainey doesn't have many friends at school. Her anxiety was mostly under control when her brother was home, but it is getting harder to manage with each passing day. When she stumbles upon a new social media influencer's page, she is immediately drawn in by Bliss and her upbeat videos. When she sends a DM to Bliss and gets a response, an unlikely friendship forms. But how honest can a friendship be when they have never met in person?

I enjoyed the dual perspective narration, and Bliss's character was very well written. The incorporation of Bliss's disability is an important and often lacking perspective, and I liked the analysis of social media and influencers on teens and their behavior. It almost felt like the big reveal took way too long, and the element of the DM relationship was glossed over a little bit too much.

I read an ARC from NetGalley.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to read this with my students and have some fantastic conversations. How real is what we see online? Can we believe everything we read? What is the life of an influencer really about? Does having a disability make things harder or easier in life? All of these questions and more rolled through my head after reading this story.
Lainey and Bliss are both struggling for different reasons. Lainey's family has broken up and her dad has a new life across the country and expects Lainey to be fine with all of the changes. Bliss and her friends become instant online stars for a video that was taken during a low time in Bliss's life. Both girls are navigating relationships, friendships, and family life while trying to be a normal teenager. This book is a great reminder that what you see isn't what you get, especially online. And that being yourself is more important than being a star. My heart broke for both girls for very different reasons and I found myself wondering what I would do in their situations. I highly recommend this read!

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world of social media influencers and the followers they influence. Two young women, sophomores in high school, stuck in their differing worlds looking for an escape. Elizabeth has CP and is confined to a wheelchair. Bliss is her online name as she comments on her everyday life and the challenges she faces as she tries to fit into a "normal" high school experience. Lainey has had some big changes in her life and feels disconnected from the person she once was. When Lainey convinces herself that Bliss is her friend and needs her help, Lainey will make a trip to Bliss' home, showing up at her door with no warning. At this point, Lainey learns the life of an influencer is more than what you see online. The consequences are surprising. While I'm a little older than the YA target audience, I enjoyed this book. It could easily be converted to a movie.

[Yapha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the dual perspective that really pushes this book over the top, from the point of view of both the social media influencer and the lonely high school student. Lainey has always felt awkward in social situations, and it's gotten worse since her twin brother moved across the country to live with their dad. She finds comfort in confiding in her online friend, Bliss. Elizabeth (known online as Bliss) has built quite a following for herself. Her cerebral palsy keeps her wheelchair bound, as shares stories about her life as a musical theater actress in high school. Without any spoilers, let me just say this is a must read! Highly recommended for grades 6 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Steph Leeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Influenced brings a whole new meaning to word influencer. There are two sides to every story. Mainly between the interaction of influencers and their followers.
We follow Bliss and Laney. Both 15 year old girls in high school going through very different experiences. At chance, a connection forms over time online. Eventually, the lines begin to blur between what is real and what is fake.
The girls are forced to understand the responsibilities/consequences of being an influencer, as well as what is true and unfiltered as a follower. Bliss is self-centered. Laney is insecure and craves to fit in.
This novel shares a behind-the-scenes look at all of the unglamorous parts of being an influencer. Is it worth it? No profanity. No sexual content. Ages 14+.

[Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping writing, excellent character development with two very different MCs (who have a good amount in common, too) and so many questions to keep readers thinking and the page turns going. This book is so important on many levels: the disability rep which is way too sparse in literature; the anxiety and mental health issues presented; and the very serious challenges behind the world of influencers. Even as an adult, I find myself sometimes feeling anxious or not measuring up to glitzy influencers and l've always wondered how things work behind the scenes.
This is a fascinating deep dive into this unique world that is well-researched and which presents very important Qs for our teens. Excellent read!!

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this cautionary tale about the dark side of influencer life. New York teen Elizabeth is thrown into the spotlight after she is featured in a video that goes viral. She embraces it, creating an online persona nicknamed “Bliss”. Suddenly everyone wants a piece of her, and her parents fully embrace the sponsorships, pushing her to keep creating. The other voice is lonely teen Lainey, whose family is now splintered between two coasts. Without her twin, she feels adrift. She connects with Bliss’s profile, and in her loneliness, mistakes their DMs for real friendship. And when she tries to meet in real life, there are real consequences. A must read for social media-addicted teens. #yalit #librarian #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian #audiobook

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating multidimensional characters with a wide range of interests that should appeal to all readers. The book makes you question what makes a real friendship? The characters struggle with divorce, financial issues, ableism, in varied backdrops including theatre kids, fiber artists, and ecological impact of fast fashion. All of this with an overlay of social media where influencers have to decide how far they will go to chase clout, and followers struggle to understand what their relationship is with the social media stars they follow.
Very readable book that deals with the challenges teens and indeed everyone face in today’s social media landscape.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting "what if" about teen Influencers and unanticipated consequences of internet fame. The book addresses several key issues teens of today face, such as anxiety, divorce, and physical disabilities. I found the beginning of the book dull, but then there was a huge shocker and the rest of the book was much more engaging as the storyline unfolds.This is the rare YA book that I personally did not love, but do think teens will due to the deft handling of relevant topics.

Thank you to Scholastic Press, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this timely novel.

[Danielle Routh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised this doesn't have more reviews and ratings--it's a timely, incisive examination of both parties in the parasocial relationship with plentiful nuance and generosity granted toward both sides. You're frustrated with both of the protagonists yet understand their actions, and the ending doesn't feel pat but wholly realistic yet still with a drop of hope. Really enjoyed this one, and the only ding I might give it is that introducing new characters by their ethnicity seemed a bit clunky.

[Julie Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful I won this book in a giveaway. I received it and read it in one day. You are immediately drawn in on the first page - "to be a girl means to have a million voices constantly telling you who you're supposed to be. And it's so easy to let the world take over." I learned a lot about the world young people navigate on a daily basis. I want to give this book to all the young women in my life.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

I appreciated that the language and situations were okay for middle school, but it was still a little too contemplative for my tween readers, who want a lot more action. I would definitely buy this for a high school collection, and enjoyed it myself. I also loved Otis' At the Speed of Lies, but it is a challenging read for my students.

[Live the · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting. Different. It was a quick read. I am not the demographic of the people who really click with influencers but still I did not know things like this happened. I can definitely see how people can think they are personal friends of a celebrity. But I didn't realize how much went into fostering relationships when it's not even real.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed this peek into the politics and life of internet influencers and the effect they have on people who are "influenced." It starts off as just a realistic teen novel that I was relatively enjoying (lots of issues teens can relate to, nothing spectacular), and then WHOAH....it took a turn I didn't expect and I plowed feverishly through the rest. Great read!

[Melissa Rapson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting look into online "friendships" and how they can be perceived so differently by the people involved. It also showed the pressures of online content creation and how it can impact teen girls so dramatically.

[Lisa Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the book starts off slowly, it ultimately offers a valuable message about the dangers of social media. With some patience through the first 100 pages, middle school readers will find the lesson worthwhile.

[Sama Alhajeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book and honestly such a good reality check that not everything you read or see on social media is real 90% of it will always be scripted because even though its fun to watch its not real and I think both authors did a wonderful time showing that.