Echostar is Always Listening is a terrifyingly realistic thriller for teens. Warning readers of the dangers of new technology and giving out personal information on-line, it’s a gripping story that is frighteningly possible.
Ruby and Deva are desperate to attend the Ash Tree Foundation Performing Arts Camp. Their parents have said they can go as long as their grades improve. Ruby lives for Drama but really can’t be bothered with any other subject. As she struggles to pay attention and get her homework done, she notices Deva suddenly improving. She knows all the answers in class and teachers are making positive comments about her efforts. Ruby has to find out what’s going on.
She discovers Deva has been using a new app to help her at school. Is it cheating? How did she get it? Could Ruby use it too? After a bit of investigating, Ruby comes across Echostar – an AI app that helps people know what to say and gives answers based on spy technology. It sounds perfect… until Deva gets kicked off the app for talking to Ruby about it. As their friendship falls apart, Ruby finds herself in an increasingly dangerous situation. Controlling and increasingly personal, Echostar knows too much.
Echostar is Always Listening shows how you never know exactly what you’re getting into with unknown apps and just how quickly dangers can escalate. This is a strong warning about contacting strangers and giving away personal details on-line. Who knows who is on the other end of the internet forum or the voice in an app. Deva and Ruby make every mistake possible – in the hopes readers will learn from them..
Echostar is Always Listening is perfect for readers in Key Stage 3 who are just getting to grips with the responsibilities of managing a phone and being more independent. Reading this book is much more powerful than listening to a lesson on internet safety.
Published by Barrington Stoke, it’s an incredibly accessible story with manageable vocabulary and very readable font. The spacing, page tint and shorter length mean every reader is able to enjoy it.
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