Breakout - by Christina Wyman

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

"The next great middle grade author." --Colby Sharp, literary 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's chronic acne often resembles the active volcanoes she likes collecting facts about in her journal. 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 her best friend, Aggy, whose own life--and skin--seem 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!

Review Quotes

Praise for Christina Wyman:

A USA TODAY AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BESTSELLER

"The next great middle grade author." --Colby Sharp, literary advocate

★ "Wyman demonstrates an impressive ability to conjure up both the pain and delight of middle school with immediacy and empathy." --BookPage, STARRED REVIEW, on Jawbreaker

★ "Smile meets Wonder." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW, on Jawbreaker

★ "A standout read." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW, on Slouch

"A courageous story about developing 'brace' under pressure." --The New York Times on Jawbreaker

★ "A hugely relatable must-read: witty, intensely emotional, and full of heart." --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW, on Jawbreaker

About the Author

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.