Unstuck

Praise for Unstuck

“Short dynamic chapters and Lyla’s distinctive and energetic voice will keep readers flipping the pages. Just as she has in My Life in the Fish Tank and other titles, Dee showcases the power of compassion and understanding during the crucial middle school years of growth and change.”
— School Library Journal (Starred Review)

“Dee deftly depicts the complex and sometimes turbulent writing process, and the self-doubt that can come with it."
— Publishers Weekly

“With well-established insight into the interior lives of middle schoolers, Dee nails some of the tiny, painful intricacies of hesitant new friendship and feeling boxed in by other people’s expectations. Lyla’s passion and frustrations will be relatable to any aspiring young writer.”
— Booklist

"With wonderfully rich characterization and impeccable pacing, the author interweaves middle school friend and family dramas with struggles familiar to any writer. A heartfelt exploration of a young writer’s struggles and successes, with practical advice included."
— Kirkus Reviews

“Lyla is a character to root for! Her battle with writer’s block and her journey to overcome it are both relatable and inspiring. With family and friendship relationships weaved in, Unstuck is an entertaining and heartfelt read.”
— Janae Marks, New York Times bestselling author of On Air With Zoe Washington

“For years now, Barbara Dee has written one exceptional novel after another. UNSTUCK may be her best yet. Lyla’s story is at once unique and universal, and readers will finish the book feeling inspired and empowered to take control of, and share, their stories.”
— Jarrett Lerner, author of A Work in Progress

"A wonderful, heartfelt and honest story about trying to write a novel and survive middle school, Unstuck is this generation's Dear Mr. Henshaw."
— Kirby Larson, author of Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky

"Unstuck joyfully celebrates the complex writing process and empowers young readers with the knowledge that creativity is a personal journey and sometimes strength is found in unexpected places.”
— Veera Hiranandani, author of How to Find What You're Not Looking For and The Night Diary, a Newbery Honor Book

"A portrait of a writer as a seventh grader! Humorous, heart-warming, and oh-so-real, Unstuck shows us how surviving middle school is a lot like the craft of writing. We must accept that it isn't easy, it helps to have friends, and, above all, we have to stay true to ourselves. Word lovers and budding novelists will love this book -- but so will anyone who is, will soon be, or once was an adolescent."
— Jennifer Ziegler, author of Worser

"With her trademark humor and warmth, Barbara Dee has crafted an empowering story about creativity, self-esteem, and the pressures that come along with pursuing a passion. Dee incorporates writing strategies that will inspire budding authors and delight English teachers, and Lyla's deeply relatable journey will resonate with anyone who's ever felt stuck–whether they're battling writer's block, navigating changing friendships, or yearning to emerge from a sibling's shadow."
— Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air and Coming Up Short