Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, so if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission.
What is The Anxious Generation About?
The Anxious Generation by Joanthan Haidt was released in 2024 and quickly became a cultural talking point. It hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold millions of copies.
The book explores how the rise of smartphones and social media has reshaped childhood. Haidt describes this shift as the “Great Rewiring”—a move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based one.
One of the book’s most powerful takeaways is this:
Kids today are often overprotected in the real world and underprotected in the digital world.
It’s a thought-provoking read – and honestly, one I think every parent, educator, and youth leader should consider.
The Amazing Generation Book Review
Released in December 2025, The Amazing Generation is the kid-friendly companion to The Anxious Generation.
Co-written by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, this book translates complex ideas into something middle schoolers can actually understand – and enjoy.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- A blend of graphic novel elements + traditional text
- Engaging visuals, charts and relatable examples
- Clear explanations of how apps are designed to keep kids hooked
- Practical tips for building healthier habits, friendships and screen-time boundaries.
This isn’t just informative – it’s accessible, engaging, and conversation-starting.
Honestly, I wish every parent and middle-schooler would read this together.
A Mother-Son Book Club Idea That Actually Worked
For our event, I hosted a mother/son book club, but this discussion guide works equally well for dads and sons, moms and daughters, or any parent-child group. I first saw a similar idea on Instagram, and ours turned out even better than I expected.
Who I Invited
I reached out to a few moms of my older son’s friends to gauge interest. Everyone was in, and we picked a date about a month out to give everyone time to read.
The “Homework”
Both sons and moms both read the book before the meeting.
Logistics
- Location: My house (easy and comfortable)
- Food: Simple snacks + drinks (and yes, lots of food – 7th grade boys are always hungry)
- Format: Casual hangout before we started the discussion
Book Club Discussion Format
- Start together with an icebreaker
- Split into two groups (moms and sons)
- Discuss separate set of questions
- Rejoin at the end to share key takeaways
You can grab the exact discussion guide I used here.
Afterward, the boys headed outside for a Nerf battle while the moms kept talking. It felt like the perfect balance of meaningful discussion and fun.
The crew playing outside afterward.
Turn This Book Into a Meaningful Conversation (Without the Prep)
I created a done-for-you book club guide to go along with The Amazing Generation so you don’t have to figure out what to ask or how to structure the conversation.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Icebreaker to get the kids talking
- Separate questions for parents and kids
- Group discussion prompts
- A simple, step-by-step format
- Everything you need to host your own parent/child book club
👉 Get the Book Club Guide here
What My Son Said (And Why This Book Matters)
After reading the few first chapters, my son asked me:
“Can I have a childhood like you did?”
He went on to describe riding bikes around the neighborhood, meeting friends outside, and coming home when the street lights came on.
That moment stuck with me.
Like most parents, I want my children to have a full, meaningful childhood – not one dominated by screens.
And The Amazing Generation reminds us of something important:
Phones are tools – not the default.
Final Thoughts: Is The Amazing Generation Worth Reading?
If you’re the parent of a middle schooler, my answer is an easy yes.
The Amazing Generation doesn’t argue for eliminating screens. Instead, it encourages kids to use technology intentionally while building a rich life beyond their devices.
If you’re looking for books about social media, screen time, and healthy technology habits for kids, this is one of the best places to start.
And if you’re searching for a meaningful parent/child activity, a small book club built around this book is a fantastic way to begin the conversation.
Additional Resources For Parents
If you want to dig deeper on into this topic:
- Good Inside Podcast featuring Jonathan Haidt
- Interview with Jonathan Haidt on The Daily Show
- Wait Until 8th (a movement encouraging delayed smartphone use)
- Let Grow initiative by Catherine Price
What part of your own childhood do you wish your kids could experience today? Share in the comments!
💡 Come hang out with me for daily bookish chats on Facebook or Instagram!
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