Sammy Versus the Smartphone by Victoria Williamson

This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions! Some parts are heart-breaking, how Sammy gets so hurt by just one negative comment, and how easy it is for people you trust to surprise you or let you down. It's also very hopeful, that we can find a way to work with technology rather than letting it rule our lives.

Hollis is super creepy and I don't know how the whole family didn't think so right from the beginning!

It was amazing to see how easy it is to get addicted to the range of apps and tools on a smart-phone and even parents can forget their initial reservations. A good lesson from this is that the whole family is susceptible, it's not just kids and peer pressure.

Book Summary

My parents have a new daughter.

One who’s smarter. Prettier. Better.

Her name is Hollis. And she’s my worst enemy.

Tonight, I made a decision. It’s either her, or me.

I only have one way to win my family back.

I have to KILL Hollis!

Sammy loves football, being creative, and spending time with her family and friends. But when she gets a smartphone for her eleventh birthday, everything changes.

HOLLIS, a holographic AI interface, is Sammy’s perfect digital double. She’s determined to get Sammy hooked on scrolling on social media, posting stunning selfies, and obsessing over likes and comments. Soon enough, Sammy’s family and friends become addicted to their devices too, and, thanks to her tech-obsessed head teacher, the hands-on learning Sammy loved is no more.

Stressed, unhappy, and bullied online, Sammy decides to fight back!

Can Sammy win the war against the attention-sucking smartphones that have taken over her life?

To appease Hollis, I have created the Pretty (Smart) in Pink. Crush a few chunks of watermelon in a glass and then either keep the bits (I like them) or strain (whatever you prefer!). Add 30ml vodka and 10ml lemon juice. Add some ice, top up with lemonade and then stir.