{"id":743,"date":"2026-06-14T12:39:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T17:39:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/?p=743"},"modified":"2026-06-14T12:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-14T17:43:00","slug":"the-amazing-generation-a-book-review-parent-child-book-club-idea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/?p=743","title":{"rendered":"The Amazing Generation: A Book Review + Parent-Child Book Club Idea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-751\" srcset=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog.png 940w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog-300x251.png 300w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is <em>The Anxious Generation<\/em> About?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43utxbs\">The Anxious Generation<\/a><\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The book explores how the rise of smartphones and social media has reshaped childhood. Haidt describes this shift as the \u201cGreat Rewiring\u201d\u2014a move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the book\u2019s most powerful takeaways is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kids today are often overprotected in the real world and underprotected in the digital world.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a thought-provoking read \u2013 and honestly, one I think every parent, educator, and youth leader should consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>The Amazing Generation<\/em> Book Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Released in December 2025, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3S1YiSw\">The Amazing Generation<\/a><\/em> is the kid-friendly companion to <em>The Anxious Generation<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Co-written by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, this book translates complex ideas&nbsp; into something middle schoolers can actually understand \u2013 and enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Makes It Stand Out:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A blend of graphic novel elements + traditional text<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engaging visuals, charts and relatable examples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear explanations of how apps are designed to keep kids hooked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical tips for building healthier habits, friendships and screen-time boundaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t just informative \u2013 it\u2019s accessible, engaging, and conversation-starting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honestly, I wish every parent and middle-schooler would read this together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A Mother-Son Book Club Idea That Actually Worked<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who I Invited<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I reached out to a few moms of my older son\u2019s friends to gauge interest. Everyone was in, and we picked a date about a month out to give everyone time to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The \u201cHomework\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both sons and moms both read the book before the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Location: My house (easy and comfortable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food: Simple snacks + drinks (and yes, lots of food \u2013 7<sup>th<\/sup> grade boys are always hungry)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Format: Casual hangout before we started the discussion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Book Club Discussion Format<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start together with an icebreaker<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Split into two groups (moms and sons)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discuss separate set of questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rejoin at the end to share key takeaways<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You can grab the exact discussion guide I used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/4518572483\/the-amazing-generation-book-club\">here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-753\" srcset=\"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog-2-1.png 940w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog-2-1-300x251.png 300w, http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Amazing-Gen-blog-2-1-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The crew playing outside afterward<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Turn This Book Into a Meaningful Conversation (Without the Prep)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I created a done-for-you book club guide to go along with <em>The Amazing Generation<\/em> so you don\u2019t have to figure out what to ask or how to structure the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside, you\u2019ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Icebreaker to get the kids talking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Separate questions for parents and kids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group discussion prompts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A simple, step-by-step format<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Everything you need to host your own parent\/child book club<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong>Get the Book Club Guide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/listing\/4518572483\/the-amazing-generation-book-club\">here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What My Son Said (And Why This Book Matters)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After reading the few first chapters, my son asked me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCan I have a childhood like you did?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He went on to describe riding bikes around the neighborhood, meeting friends outside, and coming home when the street lights came on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That moment stuck with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like most parents, I want my children to have a full, meaningful childhood \u2013 not one dominated by screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And <em>The Amazing Generation<\/em> reminds us of something important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Phones are tools \u2013 not the default.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Thoughts: Is <em>The Amazing Generation<\/em> Worth Reading?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re the parent of a middle schooler, my answer is an easy yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Amazing Generation<\/em> doesn\u2019t argue for eliminating screens. Instead, it encourages kids to use technology intentionally while building a rich life beyond their devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for books about social media, screen time, and healthy technology habits for kids, this is one of the best places to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019re searching for a meaningful parent\/child activity, a small book club built around this book is a fantastic way to begin the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Additional Resources For Parents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to dig deeper on into this topic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodinside.com\/podcast\/7065\/the-anxious-generation-with-jonathan-haidt\/\">Good Inside Podcast<\/a> featuring Jonathan Haidt <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tcr0yg7Mvg8\">Interview with Jonathan Haidt<\/a> on The Daily Show  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.waituntil8th.org\/\">Wait Until 8th<\/a> (a movement encouraging delayed smartphone use)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/letgrow.org\/\">Let Grow<\/a> initiative by Catherine Price<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What part of your own childhood do you wish your kids could experience today? Share in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Come hang out with me for daily bookish chats on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61571135243421\">Facebook <\/a>or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/readersgottaread.blog\/\">Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[101,22,215,352],"tags":[463,464,466,462],"class_list":["post-743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-clubs","category-kids","category-nonfiction","category-personal-growth","tag-amazing-generation","tag-anxious-generation","tag-book-club","tag-catherine-price"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=743"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":757,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/743\/revisions\/757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/readersgottaread.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}