Fan the Fame

Sometimes before you can build something up, you have to burn it down. Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl and Jennifer Mathieu’s Moxie will fall in love with this fiercely crafted YA novel about followers, fame, and fighting for what’s right.

Lainey wouldn’t mind lugging a camera around a video game convention for her mega-famous brother, aka YouTube streamer Codemeister, except for one big problem. He’s funny and charming online, but behind closed doors, Cody is a sexist jerk.

SamTheBrave came to this year’s con with one mission: meeting Codemeister—because getting his idol’s attention could be the big break Sam needs.

ShadowWillow is already a successful streamer. But when her fans start shipping her with Code, Shadow concocts a plan to turn the rumors to her advantage.

The three teens’ paths collide when Lainey records one of Cody’s hateful rants on video and decides to spill the truth to her brother’s fans—even if that means putting Sam and Shadow in the crosshairs.

Told through three relatable voices, this contemporary YA novel from the author of the widely praised Kat and Meg Conquer the World skillfully balances feminism, accountability, and doing the right thing—even when it hurts.

When the line between online persona and real-life toxicity blurs, who pays the price?

• Multiple POVs: Follow Lainey, the whistleblower sister; Sam, the hopeful fanboy; and Shadow, the ambitious streamer, as their paths collide in a single explosive weekend.
• Behind the Scenes of Online Fame: Go beyond the slick livestreams and curated content to see the unfiltered reality of life as a YouTube star, where public charm can hide a private dark side.
• Sexism in Gaming Culture: A powerful look at the toxic behavior that thrives behind closed doors and the courage it takes for one girl, Lainey, to expose her own brother.
• Cancel Culture and Accountability: When Lainey decides to leak the video, she forces a reckoning. But in the world of fandom and fame, accountability comes at a cost for everyone involved.