Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Jawbreaker

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
"The next great middle grade author." —Colby Sharp, literacy advocate
An Indies Introduce and Kids' Indie Next List Pick

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

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
Kids All Iowa Reads 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 praise for Jawbreaker:
"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

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Levels

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from August 21, 2023
      Smile meets Wonder in Wyman’s affirming debut, a South Brooklyn–set novel that probes the intersection between bullying and orthodontia through the eyes of Maximillia “Max” Audrina Plink, a 12-year-old of Italian descent. Nicknamed “Bucky Beaver” and otherwise taunted by cruel classmates, aspiring journalist Max loathes her splayed teeth, severe overbite, and jaws that “fit together like mismatched puzzle pieces.” Her Class II malocclusion’s painful, costly treatment—braces, headgear (which Max dubs “the jawbreaker”), and possible surgery—strains the family’s already lean finances and triggers harassment from Max’s sister. As Max navigates friendships, feuding parents, a father who increasingly smells of alcohol, and a journalism competition that requires a video essay, she slowly gains the courage to speak up for herself—and against academic inequities, bullying, and intergenerational trauma. Portraying complex social concepts with nuance, Max’s candid, accessible first-person narration propels her growing pains and journey toward empowerment, leading to a hopeful conclusion emphasizing the idea that “no one should have to look perfect just to be treated well.” An author’s note discusses the story’s personal roots. Secondary characters suggest the presence of racial diversity. Ages 8–12. Agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary.

    • School Library Journal

      September 1, 2023

      Gr 5-7-In a novel inspired by the author's own childhood, seventh grader Max Plink has a Class II malocclusion, also known as severe overbite, which typical braces are not able to correct. Her orthodontist, Dr. Watson, has been talking about potential surgery that would wire her mouth shut for weeks. Max is currently wearing painful headgear that she calls the "jawbreaker" to try to avoid the surgery. Her parents are struggling financially and the additional cost of dentistry, plus her dad's substance abuse problem, has put a strain on the family. Max's younger sister Alexis is hanging out at school with kids who bully Max about her appearance and the two fight constantly at home. The bright spot in Max's days is spending time with her friend Shrynn, although she has been distant recently while dealing with her own family issues. The two work for the school newspaper and participate in a competition to work with journalist Jordan Slade. Readers will relate to Max's experiences dealing with bullies, trying to complete assignments without the technological resources of her peers, navigating changing family dynamics, and enduring typical preteen angst. VERDICT This heartfelt story about a common middle school experience of having braces will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile.-Sarah Polace

      Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Kirkus

      Starred review from September 1, 2023
      Bullying, family strife, and a severe overbite set the stage for this gut-wrenching but overall optimistic tale set in Brooklyn. Twelve-year-old Maximillia Plink's life is already difficult enough without the painful headgear for her braces that her orthodontist makes her wear to correct a complicated overbite. But she's also contending with the looming possibility of double jaw surgery, her parents' increasingly frequent arguing, and her family's financial struggles. The worst things, however, are the relentless abuse by bullies (chief among them her own younger sister), paired with what feels like a lack of support and cluelessness from the adults around her. When a journalism competition is announced at school, Max must choose whether to follow her dreams or shy away from submitting the required video essay for fear of being targeted for even more bullying. Inspired by her own life experiences, in her debut, Wyman explores typical junior high stresses such as navigating friendships while deftly exploring serious topics like toxic family dynamics, substance abuse, and the psychological toll of bullying. Interwoven with the weight of heavy topics is a message of hope, perseverance, and self-acceptance presented in a humorous and relatable way. It's this accessible, balanced approach to painful and emotionally charged situations that makes this book so wildly successful. Max and her family are white; there is racial diversity among the supporting characters. A hugely relatable must-read: witty, intensely emotional, and full of heart. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • Booklist

      November 1, 2023
      Grades 5-8 For a kid like Max Plink--five feet eight with frizzy hair, braces, and an extreme overbite--seventh grade is no picnic. Bullies delight in calling her Bucky Beaver, Maxi-Pad, and Train-Wreck Face, but the names sting a lot more when her younger sister starts joining in. A trip to the orthodontist proves the icing on the worst cake ever when Max learns that her "maxillofacial deformity" is so severe that it may require surgery if she doesn't start wearing a type of headgear known as a jawbreaker. Thankfully, Max doesn't have to use it at school, but it's a literal pain to wear, and the prospect of serious surgery is frightening to contemplate. Wyman's debut is a wonderfully messy slice of life that gives space to kids dealing with bullying, sibling conflict, economic insecurity, and parents coping with divorce and alcoholism. Yet, there is hope to be found. All the characters are realistically flawed, and Max experiences significant growth as she weathers middle school's cruelties and takes positive action through a journalism project. An inspiring underdog tale.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:4.9
  • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
  • Text Difficulty:3

Loading