Kids All Iowa Reads Program Resources
The 2025 All Iowa Reads selection for kids is Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman.
About the Book
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 fans of 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.
Book Discussion Questions
- In Jawbreaker, Max emails Dean, a blogger who also had jaw surgery. Why do you think it was important for her to connect with Dean? How does reading Dean’s blog help Max?
- Why do Alexis and Max stash money away?
- What are the secrets that Max’s parents hide from Max and Alexis?
- Max thinks her friend, Shrynn, has the perfect life, but Shrynn’s life is far from perfect. Why does Max think this of Shrynn? How does her perception of Shrynn change?
- Why does Alexis join in with the bullies when they make fun of Max? How does that hurt Max?
- Max confronts bullying at her school by making a video that she submits for a journalism competition. What would you do if you saw a friend being bullied at school?
- What was your favorite scene in the book?
- What did you learn from reading Jawbreaker?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
About Author Christina Wyman
Christina Wyman is a teacher and writer living in Michigan with her husband and 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, Ms. Magazine, and other outlets. When she’s not writing, you can find her 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.
Her new Middle Grade novel, Slouch was released in October 2024. You can read more at christinawymanbooks.com.
Other Readalikes For Further Reading:
- Starfish by Lisa Flipps
- Four Eyes by Rex Ogle
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Smile by Raina Telgemeier
- Wink by Rob Harrell
Find Copies of Jawbreaker to Borrow
Find out which Iowa libraries have copies of the book to borrow, or find out how to request sets for discussion groups.
Find in Iowa Libraries:
- Locate Iowa libraries that have copies to lend.
Find on Bridges: Iowa's eLibrary:
Multiple Copies for Discussion Groups:
- For libraries: Each of the six District Offices for the State Library offers a book discussion set for libraries to borrow. Contact your local district office to request a set.