The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price (illustrated by Cynthia Yuan Cheng) is one of the most practical and empowering books available right now for tweens and their families. Written directly for kids ages 9–12 (with strong relevance for early middle schoolers), it gives young readers the tools and mindset to navigate a screen-filled world without feeling preached at.
At its core is The Rebels’ Code, a simple, memorable framework:
- Use technology as a tool, don’t let technology use you.
- Fill your life with real friendship, freedom, and fun.
The book combines surprising facts, an engaging graphic novel following six middle-school friends, interactive challenges, and real stories from older teens. It’s optimistic and action-oriented, exactly what families need this summer.
Because the book naturally invites inquiry, experimentation, reflection, and creation, it pairs beautifully with a light project-based learning (PBL) approach at home. Here’s a flexible structure you can adapt whether you have one child or a small group of friends/cousins participating.
Sample Project: “Design Your Amazing Rebel Summer”
Driving Question
How can I use the Rebels’ Code to design a summer full of real friendship, freedom, and fun while using screens wisely as tools?
Why This Works as PBL
Kids have voice and choice in their missions, engage in sustained inquiry over several weeks, experiment in the real world, reflect on what they learn, and produce something meaningful to share. It builds critical media literacy, self-regulation, creativity, planning skills, and family connection, all while keeping the focus joyful and low-pressure.
Flexible Timeline (4–8 weeks)
Phase 1: Launch & Discover (1 week)
- Read the introduction and early sections together (or independently with discussion).
- Complete any opening challenges or “screen story” reflections in the book.
- Kids articulate their personal “why”/ what they want more of this summer (time with friends, trying new things, feeling less distracted, etc.).
Phase 2: Explore & Research (1–2 weeks)
- Dive into the sections on how technology is designed and how it affects attention, relationships, and well-being.
- Kids research or brainstorm offline adventures, hobbies, or skills they want to try (drawing from book suggestions or their own ideas).
- Optional: Use the free discussion guides and parent resources from the authors to spark deeper family conversations.
Phase 3: Act, Experiment & Build (2–4 weeks)
This is the heart of the project. Kids plan and carry out 3–5 “Rebel Missions” inspired by the book. Examples:
- A full phone-free adventure day (hike, park, creative project, or local exploration).
- Organizing a phone-free hangout with friends (board games, outdoor games, cooking, building something).
- Learning or practicing a hands-on skill or hobby (skateboarding, art, music, gardening, cooking, etc.).
- Conducting a personal screen audit and redesigning daily routines.
- Trying grounding or focus techniques from the book and tracking what works.
- Creating something tangible inspired by real-life experiences (a story, comic, invention, photo journal, or map of summer adventures).
Document the journey simply in a dedicated notebook, photo log, or short video clips. Family members can serve as support team and occasional co-adventurers.
Phase 4: Reflect, Iterate & Celebrate (1–2 weeks)
- Kids reflect on what surprised them, what “real” friendship and fun actually felt like, and which habits they want to keep.
- Create a final product: Personal Rebels’ Code manifesto or poster, a short video/slideshow of highlights, a letter to their future self, or a family presentation.
- Celebrate! A special outing, favorite meal, or small “Amazing Generation Showcase” with friends or extended family.
Tips for Parents & Facilitators
- Keep it joyful and low-stakes . The goal is agency and discovery, not perfection.
- Model wise tech use yourself (the book is great for parallel adult reading too).
- Lean on the excellent free resources: the Educator’s Guide, discussion questions, and printable games available from the authors’ sites.
- Adapt for your child’s personality; some kids will love the graphic novel and creative missions; others will gravitate toward the facts and challenges.
This project gives middle schoolers exactly what they need most right now: the chance to practice making intentional choices about their time and attention while building memories and skills that screens can’t provide. It’s a beautiful example of the kind of human-centered, hands-on learning I advocate for , both in classrooms and at home.
Grab a copy of The Amazing Generation (paperback is very accessible), download the free supporting materials, and give your kids the gift of an empowered, real-life-filled summer.
Would you like a simple printable Rebel Journal template, a one-page project overview, or help adapting this for a specific age or group size? I’m happy to create more resources to support families this summer.
Here’s to raising an Amazing Generation… one real adventure at a time!
About the Author: Jenny
