Jawbreaker

Ages 8 to 12

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. Max has a Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as a severe overbite. She already has braces, but now Max has to wear painful (and totally awkward) orthodontic headgear called “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 to her junior high classmates, and possibly the whole city. 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 heartfelt story that will break you apart only to put you back together again.

About the Author

Christina Wyman is a teacher and writer living in Michigan with her husband, border collie, rescue cat and six raccoons that occupy a tree outside her bedroom window. 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 not writing, she can be found enjoying chocolate and goat yoga. Connect with her on Twitter @CBWymanWriter.