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Table of Contents
About The Book
What starts off as a lighthearted competition to live without modern technology for a year turns into a fight for survival in this unputdownable young adult thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jarrod Shusterman and debut author Sofía Lapuente.
It was never meant to happen this way.
Things were never supposed to get this out of hand.
After a cyberbullying incident at her school goes viral, Luna Iglesias finds herself at the heart of a brewing controversy. When the social media company Limbo—who are also implicated in the scandal—sweeps in with an offer that sounds like an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and receive a scholarship to the college of her dreams, she’s happy to jump on the new trend. It’s called the Retro Challenge, where contestants live without modern technology, wear vintage clothes, party as if the future weren’t already written, and fall in love as if they were living in a movie.
At first, the challenge is fun. But then things get dangerous. Kids start disappearing, including Luna’s friends. There are voices in the woods. Bloodred markings on the trees. And Luna increasingly begins to wonder if all these strange happenings are connected with the Retro Challenge.
Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. The weight of her family on her shoulders. There’s so much on the line for Luna, not to mention she’s falling in love with the last guy she expected. Unless she can figure out the truth behind who’s sabotaging the challenge, the next person to disappear may be Luna herself.
It was never meant to happen this way.
Things were never supposed to get this out of hand.
After a cyberbullying incident at her school goes viral, Luna Iglesias finds herself at the heart of a brewing controversy. When the social media company Limbo—who are also implicated in the scandal—sweeps in with an offer that sounds like an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and receive a scholarship to the college of her dreams, she’s happy to jump on the new trend. It’s called the Retro Challenge, where contestants live without modern technology, wear vintage clothes, party as if the future weren’t already written, and fall in love as if they were living in a movie.
At first, the challenge is fun. But then things get dangerous. Kids start disappearing, including Luna’s friends. There are voices in the woods. Bloodred markings on the trees. And Luna increasingly begins to wonder if all these strange happenings are connected with the Retro Challenge.
Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. The weight of her family on her shoulders. There’s so much on the line for Luna, not to mention she’s falling in love with the last guy she expected. Unless she can figure out the truth behind who’s sabotaging the challenge, the next person to disappear may be Luna herself.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (January 24, 2023)
- Length: 400 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665902779
- Grades: 9 and up
- Ages: 14 - 99
- Lexile ® HL710L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
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Raves and Reviews
"A supersonic thrill ride fueled by every guilty pleasure imaginable. Pure fun!"
– David Yoon, author of Frankly in Love
"A fast-paced and engaging thriller that isn't afraid to confront the dark truths about social media and technology. Luna's quest is engaging, twisty, and hits all the right marks for readers looking for stories with twists and turns."
– Kathleen Glasgow, New York Time bestselling author of Girl in Pieces
"What. A. Ride. Loved it!"
– Susan Lee, author of Seoulmates
Awards and Honors
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List High School Title
- TAYSHAS Reading List (TX)
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Retro eBook 9781665902779
- Author Photo (jpg): Sofía Lapuente Photo courtesy of the author(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
- Author Photo (jpg): Jarrod Shusterman Photo courtesy of the author(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit