Jawbreaker

by Christina Wyman (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile, a refreshingly honest middle-grade debut novel about toxic sibling rivalry, socioeconomic disparity, and dental drama.

Max Plink's life is complicated. Her parents aren't getting along. The school bullies are relentless--and her own sister is the cruelest of them. Worst of all, her mouth is a mess. 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 painful (and totally awkward) orthodontic headgear nicknamed "the jawbreaker."

Could things get any worse? Yes. 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, heartfelt, and refreshingly relatable story.

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Kirkus

Starred Review
A hugely relatable must-read: witty, intensely emotional, and full of heart.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

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. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

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.

Review quotes

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 . . . A hugely relatable must-read: witty, intensely emotional, and full of heart. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Wyman is unafraid to treat her readership like intelligent human beings capable of contemplating a complex story full of self-doubt, bullying, economic disparities, justice, and equity . . . Plus, it's horribly difficult to put down! I dare you to read even two chapters and not be engulfed in the narrative. Smart and savvy, 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 

After finishing this book, I found myself with more empathy for the humans around me . . . Life is hard (especially in middle school and most definitely with orthodontia) and Max Plink is a great flagbearer to remind us to be kind to each other. —Christina Batten, Schuler Books Bookseller 

An honest, funny, and gut-wrenching tale of bullying, family conflict, and orthodontia. —Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books Bookseller 

Funny and relatable. —Jenny Carney, co-founder of Sidetrack Bookshop

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Christina Wyman
Christina Wyman is a teacher and writer living in Michigan with her husband and their 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. Christina is also the USA Today bestselling author of the middle grade novels Jawbreaker and Slouch. When she's not writing, you can find Christina 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.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780374389697
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Publication date
October 24, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
Library of Congress categories
Schools
Middle schools
Teeth
Sibling rivalry
Care and hygiene
Bullies and bullying
Orthodontics
An Indies Introduce Pick
A Kids' Indie Next Pick
Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated Kids' Books of the Month
An Amazon Best Book of the Month for Ages 9-12
A Junior Library Guild Selection

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