Bad Influence by Claire Ahn

In this contemporary YA novel, high school student Charlotte Goh is an aspiring Asian American fashion influencer desperately trying to lift her family out of hardship, only to find it may come at a cost higher than any Chanel bag.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Goh is juggling two very different personas: the dutiful Korean daughter, and the hustling NYC fashion influencer. Her best friend Steven scoffs at her ambition, but she secretly hopes that her posts will help financially support her struggling family. Then one night, after posting about a racist experience she had at an influencer event, Charlotte finds herself going viral and garnering the fame she’s always craved. And as much as she doesn’t want her newfound popularity to change her, she can’t help but be swept away by the exciting perks: chic new friends, the attention of one of Hollywood’s hottest heartthrobs, and a slew of companies clamoring to sponsor her.

But as she falls deeper into the influencer world, she finds that she may have to sacrifice more than she bargained for—including her unexpected new feelings for Steven. Will Charlotte be able to stay true to herself, or will she lose the things that are most important to her?

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In this sharply written, emotionally resonant YA contemporary, Bad Influence dives into the high-gloss, high-stakes world of social media influencers - only to peel back the filters and reveal the real costs of internet fame.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Goh is walking a tightrope. At home, she’s a dutiful daughter trying to support her Korean American family through financial hardship. Online, she’s a rising fashion influencer in the NYC scene, carefully curating a persona meant to attract attention, sponsorships, and hopefully, a way out. But when a racist incident at an influencer event goes viral, Charlotte is catapulted into a spotlight she wasn’t fully prepared for - complete with glamorous new friends, celebrity attention, and all the brand perks she’s ever dreamed of.

The novel doesn’t flinch away from the pressures Charlotte faces - both as a teen of colour in predominantly white spaces and as someone trying to juggle visibility, identity, and integrity. Her relationship with her best friend Steven grounds the story beautifully, offering an emotional anchor as Charlotte’s online life begins to take over. Their slow-burn chemistry, layered with old loyalties and new tensions, adds a warm, romantic thread that contrasts with the more brittle reality of influencer life.

What’s most compelling here is the way the story navigates that contradiction at the heart of internet culture: everyone knows it’s toxic, performative, and stressful - but many still chase it, whether out of desperation, ambition, or both. Charlotte’s motivations are never shallow, even as she makes questionable choices. The author deftly balances empathy and critique, making this a smart, nuanced exploration of how social media fame affects mental health, friendships, and family ties.

For readers who enjoy romcoms with depth, social commentary with heart, and characters who make mistakes but keep learning, this is a standout. It’s also a timely look at the pressures young women - especially young women of colour - face in a world that rewards exposure but punishes vulnerability.

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If you liked this book, try:
📖 Frankly in Love by David Yoon – for another thoughtful, funny take on navigating identity, love, and family expectations.
📺 The Bold Type – for its fashion-forward NYC setting, close female friendships, and behind-the-scenes look at working in the spotlight.