Deadstream

Gr 9 Up–Ever since the accident where she lost her best friend, Teresa has become increasingly reclusive and has progressed to the point where she barely leaves her own bedroom. Her one source of solace? Online streamers and their content, where chat room participation and clip grabbing for repost on her own channel keep her mind occupied and her sanity in check. All is called into question and paranoia begins to run rampant when one of her favorite streamers has a shadowy figure appear behind him. Within days, he is dead. This shadow has continued to spread to others online, showing up after prompting a streamer to “open the door.” Can Teresa do anything to help? Will the shadow get her as well? And what started all this? This is a fast-paced modern horror thriller, catered to those familiar with online streaming. The inclusion of sections of the chat may throw off some readers, but it is not hard to follow. This YA novel covers some hard-hitting topics such as suicidal thoughts, paralyzing anxiety, and agoraphobia, but also reliance on friends, overcoming fear, and trusting yourself.