Overview

""The next great middle grade author."" --Colby Sharp, literacy advocate From the USA Today-bestselling author of Jawbreaker and Slouch, Breakout is a fresh and funny middle-grade novel about a girl with chronic acne figuring out how to feel good in her own skin. Ellis Starr likes learning about active volcanoes. She does not like having acne that resembles them. But it's not just cosplaying as a pepperoni pizza that has Ellis on the verge of erupting. Her mom's hot-and-cold moods have the two of them butting heads nonstop--especially now that her mom is dating for the first time since her parents' separation. Then there's Ellis's best friend, Aggy, whose own life--and skin--seems perfect. And who could forget that Ellis still needs to decide on a research topic for a big school project. With eighth grade proving to be every bit as pesky as a new pimple, Ellis's only bright spot is the time she spends with her aunt Lydia, whose adorable puppy, Rocco, is a natural stress reliever. (And perhaps the perfect subject for her project.) Maybe this season of breakouts can lead to a breakthrough about what Ellis needs to truly feel good in her own skin. Rising star author Christina Wyman takes on a quintessential middle-school experience--acne--with her trademark humor, honesty, and heart. Breakout is a must-read for kids ages 8-12 who love Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, Kelly Yang, Gordon Korman, and other endlessly funny and deeply heartfelt books that tackle big topics and universal coming-of-age experiences alike. If you enjoyed Breakout, you'll also love the USA Today bestsellers Jawbreaker and Slouch from Christina Wyman. Order your own copy today!

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Reviews

Praise for Breakout: A Junior Library Guild Selection ★ ""Wyman expertly captures the tween voice and struggles with Ellis as she navigates eighth grade. While her issues with acne are a focal point of the story, her relationships with her friends and family are also at the forefront. The topics discussed are handled with honesty and humor and don't downplay that their importance for middle schoolers . . . A realistic fiction title worthy of any middle school and public library shelf."" --School Library Journal, starred review ""A 13-year-old navigates 'the Acne Scale of Doom, ' strained friendships, and parental insensitivity in this fresh and funny drama . . . Candid, humorous narration centers adolescent angst while highlighting financial tension in a family anchored by separated, blue-collar parents who 'can't afford to get a real divorce, ' resulting in another snappy, sensitive, and sage offering from Wyman."" --Publishers Weekly ""A humorous coming-of-age novel with zits, separated parents, complicated friendships, and therapy dogs . . . Wyman authentically portrays multidimensional teens and adults, expertly pacing the intergenerational interactions among characters who care for each other but sometimes need to learn to listen to different perspectives . . . A witty story about feeling good in your own skin that rings true emotionally."" --Kirkus Reviews ""This novel of 'dogs, stress, and breakouts' ends on a hopeful note, promoting the value of mental-health awareness, intervention, and honest, clear communication."" --Booklist Praise for Slouch: A USA TODAY BESTSELLER A Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Selection A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year A Barnes & Noble Best Kids' Books of the Month Selection An Amazon.com Best Book of the Month for Ages 9-12 A Publishers Weekly New and Noteworthy Children's and YA Books of the Month Selection A Junior Library Guild Selection ★ ""This fresh, heartfelt slam dunk from Wyman entwines enthralling details about debate into a story that probes financial precarity and adolescent insecurity. Whip-smart prose and potent middle school drama keep the pages turning, but it's the accessible conversation about bodily autonomy, consent, privacy, and social media's influence that make this a standout read."" --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW ""Wyman's character work shines in Stevie's relationships, as the highs and lows of friendship ebb and flow naturally; Stevie's relationship with her brother is especially realistic and poignant . . . Stevie's self-consciousness, path to more confidence, willingness to take up space, and journey to finding her place are sure to be relatable for readers of all heights."" --Booklist ""Wyman imbues Stevie's story arc with blossoming self-awareness . . . An upbeat 'you do you' message delivered with a valuable side of 'your body is your own' awareness."" --Kirkus Reviews ""Compelling . . . Themes such as safe social media practices, friendship, complicated crushes, self-confidence, and the plight of working families who can't make ends meet offer levity to the story that is sure to resonate with young readers."" --School Library Journal Praise for Jawbreaker: **A USA TODAY BESTSELLER** An Indies Introduce Pick A Kids' Indie Next Pick A Kirkus Reviews Bestseller A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year An Amazon Best Book of the Year An American Booksellers Association Best Book for Young Readers of the Year A Target Monthly Book Club Pick A Readerlink Buzz Pick A New York Times ""Books for Kids Starting Middle School"" Selection Nerdy Book Awards Middle Grade Fiction Winner William Allen White Children's Book Award Nominee Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee, Intermediate Titles (Grades 3-5) Kids All Iowa Reads selection A Junior Library Guild Selection ""A courageous story about developing 'brace' under pressure."" --The New York Times ★ ""Smile meets Wonder."" --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW ★ ""A hugely relatable must-read: witty, intensely emotional, and full of heart."" --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW ★ ""Heartfelt and often heartbreakingly realistic . . . Wyman demonstrates an impressive ability to conjure up both the pain and delight of middle school with immediacy and empathy."" --BookPage, STARRED REVIEW ""An inspiring underdog tale."" --Booklist ""Smart and savvy, Jawbreaker is the novel you wish you had read as a kid and are grateful that kids get to read today."" --Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, A School Library Journal Blog ""An honest, funny, and gut-wrenching tale of bullying, family conflict, and orthodontia."" --Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books Bookseller

Author Information

Christina Wyman is a teacher and writer living in Michigan with her husband and silly rescue cats named Alfred and Greta Cannoli--not to mention the raccoons, owls, and hummingbirds that occupy a tree outside their bedroom window. She grew up in a tiny apartment with her family in Brooklyn, New York, where she dreamed of becoming a writer. Her work has been published in New York Magazine, The Washington Post, Elle, Ms. Magazine, The Independent, and other outlets. When she's not writing, you can find her stocking up on chocolate or trying to convince her husband to adopt more cats. Most recently, she's developed a passion for eating strawberry jam straight out of the jar. Christina is the USA Today-bestselling author of the middle-grade novels Jawbreaker, Slouch, and Breakout.

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