Because her mom is always on the move, Steph hasn’t lived anywhere longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet—a social media site where users upload cat pictures—a place she knows she is welcome. What Steph doesn’t know is that the admin of the site, CheshireCat, is a sentient A.I.
When a threat from Steph’s past catches up to her and ChesireCat’s existence is discovered by outsiders, it’s up to Steph and her friends, both online and IRL, to save her.
A surprising, heartfelt near-future YA thriller about the topical issues of online privacy and out-of-control technology, and the importance of making connections in an increasingly fragmented society by award-winning author Naomi Kritzer, whose short story “Cat Pictures Please” won the Hugo Award and Locus Award and was a finalist for the Nebula Award.
About the Author
Naomi Kritzer is a writer and blogger who has published a number of short stories and several novels for adults, including two trilogies for Bantam. Her 2015 short story “Cat Pictures Please” was a Locus Award and Hugo Award winner and a finalist for the Nebula Award. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Industry Reviews
"The characters offer positive, realistic LGBTQIA+ representation, especially nonbinary identities and characters still exploring their identities. Refreshingly, the characters also feel like generally-woke-but-still-imperfect humans. Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns; perfect for readers coming-of-age online."
, Kirkus, starred review
"Kritzer's take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today's online existence and privacy concerns."
, Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Smart, sly, scary, and irrepressibly good fun, this novel has everything I've ever wanted from a story: it is a cerebral, funny, tender, big-idea delight. I can't wait for you to read it.", Kelly Barnhill, Newbery Award-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon
An absolutely charming and incredibly gripping, superbly plotted YA thriller.
, Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother
"Kritzer's flawless collection taps deep wells of emotion and wonder.... Her work is indisputably speculative, but it's a perfect entry point to the genre for readers who prefer fantastical and futuristic elements to stay more in the background, with human (and robotic) feelings always at the fore. This splendid treat is not to be missed."
, Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Cat Pictures Please and Other Stories
