Breakout
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected 10 Mar 2026
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- £7.49
Publisher Description
“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’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!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A 13-year-old navigates "the Acne Scale of Doom," strained friendships, and parental insensitivity in this fresh and funny drama. Brooklynite Ellison Starr's acne makes her feel like "Mount Vesuvius in human form." Not only does her dermatological struggle affect her confidence, it's also impacting her relationships—when Ellis, feeling self-conscious about her breakouts, repeatedly skips weekend get-togethers, her BFF stops reaching out. At home, her mother simultaneously minimizes Ellis's concerns about her "problem skin" and blames her for its worsening condition. To Ellis's mortification, Mom even discusses it with other adults, including a new boyfriend. Stress surrounding her eighth grade capstone project—which Ellis must research and present in eight weeks' time—makes her feel even worse. Luckily, supportive Aunt Lydia and therapy-dog-in-training Rocco help Ellis understand the connection between acne and stress, empowering her to seek agency through honest conversations about home and school life. 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 (Slouch). Ellis has Greek and Irish ancestry. Includes author's note. Ages 8–12.
