As we all know, adolescence is a minefield of social awkwardness, unpredictable body changes, and a growing understanding of the complexities of adulthood. However, these years can also present opportunities for amazing friendships, brilliant memories, and self-realizations that can last a lifetime.

I was able to read the marvelous Breakout by Christina Wyman earlier this year and absolutely adored it; it was one of our must-read middle grade books of March! So when our pals at FSG Young Readers offered to send us the other two books in Wyman’s series, Jawbreaker and Slouch, we jumped at the opportunity!

In all three books, the young protagonist is not only dealing with uncomfortable physical changes that come with growing up— chronic acne, a noticeable height difference, and orthodontic headgear—but also with highly relatable growing pains. Family drama, bullying, academic challenges, sexual harassment, online safety concerns, financial worries… it’s a lot to deal with, especially while simultaneously navigating a body that no longer feels like your own.

Wyman’s protagonists and their stories are multidimensional and relatable, so much so that each novel reads like a diary of someone you knew (or, in my case, were) at that age. And most importantly, each book is ultimately empowering, assuring young audiences that everyone feels like a stranger in their own skin sometimes, and that embracing who you are—inside and out—is the best way to weather the storm of your teenage years.

Big thanks to Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux and MacKids for sending us copies of this awesome series!