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48 pages 1 hour read

Breakout

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Kate Messner

Breakout

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wolf Creek, New York • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

840L

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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

4.3

4,469 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

4,469 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Nora Tucker

A seventh grader and aspiring journalist from Wolf Creek who takes on the narrative role by gathering various multimedia documents. She navigates her understanding of her community and personal biases as she documents a prison break.

A new student from the Bronx who feels like an outsider in Wolf Creek, especially due to her brother's incarceration. She copes with her feelings through writing letters and poetry, finding inspiration from numerous writers of color.

Nora’s best friend who participates in the narrative with an irreverent tone and provides comic relief. Her recordings and satirical writings offer diverse perspectives on the unfolding events.

Nora’s younger brother who views the prison break with a simplistic, childlike mindset. His sketches and ideas reflect a desire to return to normalcy amid the chaos.

Nora’s older brother who offers insights into social and historical contexts, helping Nora to understand broader societal issues. His discussions are crucial in providing Nora with a more informed perspective.

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wolf Creek, New York • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

840L

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