Breakout

"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!

Author: Christina Wyman
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 03/10/2026
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 7.81h x 5.13w x 1.19d
ISBN: 9780374393359
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.8
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 557528 / Breakout


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2026
Booklist 01/01/2026
School Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 52
Publishers Weekly 11/24/2025

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.