Filter: A YA Short Story About Illness, Identity, and Going Viral (Unfiltered Lives)
by Jocelyn Paige KellyPublish: Sep 01, 2025Literary Fiction Teen & Young Adult Book Overview
“The problem with filters? They can’t hide the truth forever.”
Lily’s life looks perfect on TikTok—dance trends, sarcastic voiceovers, and flawless lip-syncs from her bedroom. But behind the ring light, her kidneys are failing, and so is her ability to pretend everything’s fine.
When a fainting episode at school goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Lily has two choices: keep performing for her followers or finally show them the messy, unfiltered reality of being 17, chronically ill, and terrified of what comes next.
📱 Perfect for fans of “sick lit” like Five Feet Apart and They Both Die at the End
⚡ A fast, emotional YA short read (48 pages) for your next coffee break
🎵 For readers who love TikTok culture, grumpy-sunshine vibes, and found family feels
If you’re ready for a story that’s heartfelt, funny, and a little raw—this is it.
✅ BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED
Lily’s Kidney Survival Guide: A tongue-in-cheek, sassy take on life with CKD
Top 10 Things You Don’t Say to Someone With CKD
A mini glossary of kidney health terms (with Lily’s trademark humor)
Resource list of global kidney health organizations