How to Make Friends and Go Viral by Accident (YK Willemse, Rhiza Edge)

The novella How to Make Friends and Go Viral by Accident by YK Willemse (Jerry’s Window) follows 13-year-old Hayden Connor as he struggles with a speech impediment and the anxiety it causes him. When his parents enrol him in singing lessons to help build his confidence, he’s surprised to discover a natural talent. Hayden’s newfound confidence is put to the test when he’s signed up to perform at the end-of-term recital and the school bullies find out. Although Hayden is determined to back out, the recital becomes the moment he develops resilience and learns to stand up for himself, finally letting his voice be heard. Willemse’s storytelling is concise with short, snappy sentences and plenty of humour. Reluctant readers aged 9 and up will find this novella engaging thanks to its authentic schoolyard setting and a protagonist who grapples with everyday fears they may recognise, such as fitting in, standing up to bullies, and finding confidence in their own voice. How to Make Friends and Go Viral by Accident demonstrates why the Rhiza Shorts novellas are so compelling: they strike a balance between brevity and emotional depth, offering quick, accessible reads that foster both empathy and enjoyment. Suitable for independent reading and classroom use, this entertaining and uplifting story will appeal to readers of Frances Prentice’s Holding Back or Willemse’s earlier work.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is an emerging children's author and freelance writer of articles, reviews and interviews when not working part-time in a bookshop. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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