Breakout

Ellis Starr likes learning about active volcanos. She does not like having acne that resembles them. But it's not just cosplaying as a pepperoni pizza that has Ellis on the verge of erupting. Her mom's hot-and-cold moods have the two of them butting heads nonstop-especially now that her mom is dating for the first time since her parents' separation. Then there's Ellis's best friend, Aggy, whose own life-and skin-seem perfect. And who could forget that Ellis still needs to decide on a research topic for a big school project. With eighth grade proving to be every bit as pesky as a new pimple, Ellis's only bright spot is the time she spends with her aunt Lydia, whose adorable puppy, Rocco, is a natural stress reliever. (And perhaps the perfect subject for her project.) Maybe this season of breakouts can lead to a breakthrough about what Ellis needs to truly feel good in her own skin. In her newest novel, bestselling author Christina Wyman tackles a quintessential middle-school experience-acne-with her trademark humor, honesty, and heart.