Jawbreaker

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

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

A "Best Book of the Year" from: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Amazon.com, and the American Booksellers Association

A New York Times "Books for Kids Starting Middle School" Selection

This USA Today bestseller is a funny and fresh middle-grade debut novel about jawbreaking dental drama.

Max Plink's life just got a lot more complicated. Trouble at home? Check--with money tight, her parents haven't been getting along lately. School bullies? Double check--especially if you count her sister, who is the worst bully of them all. Dental drama? Oh, you have no idea. With a mismatched puzzle of a jaw, Max has a Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as a severe overbite. She already has braces, which means she lives on Advil and soft foods after each orthodontist appointment. But now Max has to wear totally awkward orthodontic headgear nicknamed "the jawbreaker." Could things get any worse?

Yes, they could. The journalism competition Max wants to enter has a video component. But being on camera means showing her face not just to her junior high classmates, but possibly the whole city. Going viral is the last thing Max needs, but winning this competition is what she wants most. Turns out, following her dreams is complicated, too.

Inspired by Christina Wyman's own experience with a Class II malocclusion, Jawbreaker is a humorous and refreshingly honest story perfect for readers 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 Jawbreaker, then you'll also love Christina Wyman's USA Today bestseller, Slouch, and her forthcoming book Breakout. Order your own copy today!

More awards and praise for Jawbreaker:
An Indies Introduce and Kids' Indie Next List Pick
Nerdy Book Awards Middle Grade Fiction Winner
Judy Lopez Memorial Award Winner
Mark Twain Readers Award Nominee
William Allen White Children's Book Award Nominee
South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee
Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee
New Jersey Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee
Kids All Iowa Reads 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." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"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

Author: Christina Wyman
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: 10/24/2023
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 7.50h x 5.10w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781250331021
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.9
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 520952 / Jawbreaker


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2023

About the Author
Christina Wyman is a teacher and writer living in Michigan with her husband and silly rescue cat named Alfred--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. Jawbreaker is her debut novel. When she's not writing, you can find her stocking up on chocolate or trying to convince her husband to adopt more cats.