PYR to Publish New Book for Tweens Inspired by the #1 NYT Bestseller, THE ANXIOUS GENERATION
Rocky Pond Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, will publish a companion to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s #1 New York Times bestselling and culturally transformative book, THE ANXIOUS GENERATION.
Written specifically for young readers, THE AMAZING GENERATION by Jonathan Haidt and bestselling author Catherine Price (HOW TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR PHONE) will act as a handbook for living a happy and exciting life that isn’t hijacked by a smartphone.
The book is slated for release on December 30, 2025. The news was announced on Monday on The Oprah Podcast in an exclusive interview with the authors.
Jonathan Haidt’s blockbuster book, THE ANXIOUS GENERATION, has sparked a global conversation about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s development, and has inspired millions of parents, teachers, and leaders to take action. In THE AMAZING GENERATION, Haidt and Catherine Price have collaborated to create a new book that speaks directly to kids and early teens. Their goal? To empower young people to stand up for themselves by choosing a life not dominated by screens.
Perfect for 5th–8th graders—and relevant whether or not they already have smartphones or social media accounts—this engaging guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, secrets that tech leaders don’t want kids to know, and real-life anecdotes from young adults who regret getting smartphones at a young age and want to help the next generation avoid making the same mistakes. But this isn’t just a book about what not to do. It’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to growing into your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self. Readers won’t just discover how to avoid becoming the next Anxious Generation. They’ll learn how to become amazing.
Jonathan Haidt said, “When I wrote THE ANXIOUS GENERATION, I was trying to reach parents, legislators, and other adults who could start changing norms and laws quickly. I did not try to speak to young people. Catherine Price does that so much better than me, and I’m thrilled to be her partner in creating THE AMAZING GENERATION.”
Catherine Price said, “Jon and I are absolutely thrilled to bring our message to kids: that the best parts of life don’t happen on a screen.”
Lauri Hornik, President and Publisher, Rocky Pond Books, added, “I read THE ANXIOUS GENERATION with tears in my eyes through the first half and with so much relief and hope through the rest. It’s a life-changing, world-improving book, and I’m excited to be working with Jonathan and Catherine on this important project. Kids desperately need this book!”