“This imaginative and achingly well-observed novel cleverly speculates about how tech companies could profit from the anxiety around middle school friendships. Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend is hilarious, insightful, and more than a little scary.” - Eliot Schrefer, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lost Rainforest series
"A funny, kid-perfect glimpse into a near-future that’s probably already here." - Gordon Korman, New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables
“A propulsive friendship thriller, a funny, connective character story, and a warning about the future all rolled into one—Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend is a book you can’t put down and can’t stop thinking about once it’s over. My heart is still racing from this captivating, clever, and deeply human book.” - Corey Ann Haydu, author of One Jar of Magic and Eventown
"Rubin reflects and magnifies contemporary readers’ experiences navigating the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in their everyday lives. At the heart of this fast-paced adventure is Zed’s desire to connect with others; his drive to establish and maintain genuine friendships makes this an enjoyable and profound cautionary tale." - Publishers Weekly
"Rubin skillfully balances humor, suspense, and emotional insights into the angst and isolation of adolescence, especially in a world where technology is always a tap away. A fast-paced plot, quirky characters, and timely themes address friendship and identity in the digital age." - Kirkus Reviews
“Inviting consideration of what it really means to live without privacy, Rubin doesn’t hold back about what our near-future IT and AI overlords have in store for us and how much closer and more real friendships can be when the phones are put away.” - Booklist
“Humor dominates Rubin’s dystopian cautionary tale, softening the novel’s reminders of the dangers of technology overuse, and more specifically, the risks of allowing big companies to dominate our everyday lives. A timely purchase for all middle grade collections with a reassuring message kids need to hear—there’s life beyond your screen." - School Library Journal
"Zed’s first-person narration balances humor with introspection, and deftly critiques tech dependency, posing complex questions in a relatable, age-appropriate framework. A compelling, character-driven narrative that is both a cautionary tale and a celebration of human connection." - Horn Book Magazine
