In the highly anticipated sequel to Suck it In and Smile, Ellie is wrestling her picture-perfect life as a social media influencer back under control — but how long can she keep bridging the distance between the desire to be herself and the pressure to conform?
Ellie is an inspiration to her hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and YouTube. Her book of wellness tips (including her signature recipe for chocolate chip–chickpea cookies) is about to launch. She is one half of a social-media power couple with singer Samuel Vanasse, who is now her fiancé. And she is on the verge of breaking into the top three on the YouTube charts. She has everything she needs to be happy — but lately, when she starts crying, she can’t seem to stop.
Between her father’s failing health and the charming yet enigmatic Dave, between her friendship-rivalry with another YouTuber and the pressure to be “authentic” at all times, Ellie is lost. She retreats into her old patterns and tries to regain control of her life, one Fat Burning Challenge at a time. But listening to her heart isn’t as easy — or glamorous — as she’s been making it look to her followers.
This exciting conclusion to Ellie’s story examines how we measure success and happiness, while exploring the complexities of body image, female rivalry and grief.
Key Text Features
chapters
vignettes
dialogue
In the highly anticipated sequel to Suck it In and Smile, Ellie is wrestling her picture-perfect life as a social media influencer back under control — but how long can she keep bridging the distance between the desire to be herself and the pressure to conform?
Ellie is an inspiration to her hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and YouTube. Her book of wellness tips (including her signature recipe for chocolate chip–chickpea cookies) is about to launch. She is one half of a social-media power couple with singer Samuel Vanasse, who is now her fiancé. And she is on the verge of breaking into the top three on the YouTube charts. She has everything she needs to be happy — but lately, when she starts crying, she can’t seem to stop.
Between her father’s failing health and the charming yet enigmatic Dave, between her friendship-rivalry with another YouTuber and the pressure to be “authentic” at all times, Ellie is lost. She retreats into her old patterns and tries to regain control of her life, one Fat Burning Challenge at a time. But listening to her heart isn’t as easy — or glamorous — as she’s been making it look to her followers.
This exciting conclusion to Ellie’s story examines how we measure success and happiness, while exploring the complexities of body image, female rivalry and grief.
Key Text Features
chapters
vignettes
dialogue
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Sep 5, 2023 |
| Specifications | 368 pages | 5 in x 7.5 in |
| Keywords | Instagram; YouTube; wellness; lifestyle; popularity; fame; love triangle; booktok; anti hero; content creators; interdependence; sibling rivalry; role model; self empowerment; online authenticity and persona; |
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Supporting Resources
(select item to download) |
Excerpt |
| Written By |
LAURENCE BEAUDOIN-MASSE has written two novels: Suck It in and Smile (originally published as Rentrer son ventre et sourire) and its sequel. She is a concept editor for Radio-Canada. Laurence would like to help girls who, like her, never feel like they measure up. She lives in Montreal, Quebec. |
| Written By |
|
LAURENCE BEAUDOIN-MASSE has written two novels: Suck It in and Smile (originally published as Rentrer son ventre et sourire) and its sequel. She is a concept editor for Radio-Canada. Laurence would like to help girls who, like her, never feel like they measure up. She lives in Montreal, Quebec. |
| Audience | ages 13 to 17 / grades 8 to 12 |
| Key Text Features | chapters; vignettes; dialogue |
A realistically flawed character worth rooting for in a story worth reading.
” —Kirkus ReviewsSay Yes and Keep Smiling, like its predecessor, takes a quirky yet incisive look under the surface of social media creations and encourages readers to do the same.
” —CM: Canadian Review of MaterialsBeaudoin-Masse once again authors a gut-wrenching portrayal of the shallow nature of influencers ... A genuine and nimble story that will speak to teens and new adults who find themselves in need of an anchor while immersed in an increasingly online world.
” —Children's Literature Comprehensive Database