Reality Boy by A. S. King

Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality television crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he’s still haunted by his rage-filled youth—which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle—and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school.

Nothing is ever going to change. No one cares that he’s tried to learn to control himself, and the girl he likes has no idea who he really is. Everyone’s just waiting for him to snap…and he’s starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that.

In this fearless portrayal of a boy on the edge, highly acclaimed Printz Honor author A.S. King explores the desperate reality of a former child “star” who finally breaks free of his anger by creating possibilities he never knew he deserved.

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Reality Boy by A.S. King is an intense, unflinching exploration of anger, trauma, and the long-term consequences of being exposed to the world in ways no child should be. Gerald's story is heartbreaking, as we see how his childhood rage was broadcast for the world to consume as entertainment, and the lasting damage that has been done as a result. His outbursts as a child, displayed for all to see on reality TV, have marked him as "the kid who pooped on the dining room table," but King's novel goes far beyond that to explore the reasons behind Gerald’s anger and the impact of constant surveillance on his mental health. Being hurt and let down over and over by the people who should have protected him - his oldest sister, his parents, even the studio-appointed 'Nanny' for the show who knew something was wrong but didn't stop it - has left him empty inside, unable to trust or understand other people.

Gerald’s life is filled with people who either expect him to blow up at any moment or have already given up on him. His frustration and isolation feel incredibly real, and King does a remarkable job of pulling the reader into his mindset. The story is not only about a boy's anger but also about the process of finding self-worth and learning to escape the labels others place on us.

One of the most compelling aspects of Reality Boy is how it forces the reader to confront the darker side of reality television. King doesn't hold back in critiquing the way the public consumes and enjoys the spectacle of other people's misery, particularly when those people are children. Gerald’s narrative is raw and uncomfortable at times, but it’s also deeply human, and watching him fight his way toward a better future is both painful and hopeful.

The relationship between Gerald and Hannah is another strong point, offering a flicker of light in his otherwise bleak existence. Hannah’s life is difficult in its own way, and their tentative connection helps both characters realize they deserve more than the roles they’ve been forced to play. Hannah's troubles aren't preformative, they help Gerald's healing process, and while the two have their troubles, the way they are willing to work it out is huge in his life.

Overall, Reality Boy is a powerful and thought-provoking read, touching on themes of anger, trauma, and identity in a world that loves to watch people fall apart.

For recommendations:

Book: Girl (In Real Life) by Tamsin Winter – For its similar themes of a young person dealing with the consequences of having their embarrassing moments broadcast online without their consent. Though lighter in tone, Eva’s journey also tackles the pressures of being scrutinized by an audience from a young age.

Movie: The Truman Show – For its examination of the invasive nature of reality TV and the impact it has on the person whose life is being broadcast for the entertainment of others.