Jawbreaker

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 Polaceα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.