48 pages • 1 hour read
Breakout
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Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Wolf Creek, New York • Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
840L
Super Short Summary
Breakout by Kate Messner follows Nora Tucker, her best friend Lizzie Bruno, and new student Elidee Jones as their small upstate New York town becomes the center of a manhunt after two inmates escape from the local prison. Through letters, sketches, poems, and other documents for a community time capsule, the girls confront biases and learn about their town's and their own privilege. This novel includes incidents of bullying, racism, and incarceration, and references to violence.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,469 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Breakout by Kate Messner is a captivating middle-grade novel that skillfully blends multiple perspectives to explore themes of friendship, justice, and community. Critics praise its engaging narrative and relevant social commentary. However, some find the multiple viewpoint structure a bit complex for younger readers. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and timely read.
Who Should Read Breakout?
A reader who enjoys Breakout by Kate Messner likely appreciates middle-grade novels with social themes, mystery, and multiple perspectives. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Restart by Gordon Korman would be drawn to its exploration of community, empathy, and justice. Readers aged 9-12 who enjoy realistic fiction will find it engaging.
4,469 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Novel • Fiction
Wolf Creek, New York • Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
840L
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