Breakout

A 13-year-old navigates “the Acne Scale of Doom,” strained friendships, and parental insensitivity in this fresh and funny drama. Brooklynite Ellison Starr’s acne makes her feel like “Mount Vesuvius in human form.” Not only does her dermatological struggle affect her confidence, it’s also impacting her relationships—when Ellis, feeling self-conscious about her breakouts, repeatedly skips weekend get-togethers, her BFF stops reaching out. At home, her mother simultaneously minimizes Ellis’s concerns about her “problem skin” and blames her for its worsening condition. To Ellis’s mortification, Mom even discusses it with other adults, including a new boyfriend. Stress surrounding her eighth grade capstone project—which Ellis must research and present in eight weeks’ time—makes her feel even worse. Luckily, supportive Aunt Lydia and therapy-dog-in-training Rocco help Ellis understand the connection between acne and stress, empowering her to seek agency through honest conversations about home and school life. Candid, humorous narration centers adolescent angst while highlighting financial tension in a family anchored by separated, blue-collar parents who “can’t afford to get a real divorce,” resulting in another snappy, sensitive, and sage offering from Wyman (Slouch). Ellis has Greek and Irish ancestry. Includes author’s note. Ages 8–12. Agent: Erin Murphy, Aevitas Creative Management. (Mar.)