First Chapter Friday Read-Aloud | Breakout by Christina Wyman - Each Friday I share the first chapter of a book perfect for middle school readers, and today’s pick is funny, relatable, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a realistic fiction novel that tackles confidence, friendship, and growing up, you’re going to love Breakout by Christina Wyman!
Be sure to watch until the end for the mystery quote reveal (shared one word at a time!) and a story that will have students nodding along and saying, “OMG. Yesssss.”
About the Book:
Eighth grader Ellis Starr is dealing with a lot—school stress, shifting friendships, family changes, and acne that feels as explosive as the volcanoes she loves to study. As she navigates middle school challenges, Ellis begins to realize that what’s happening on the surface doesn’t define who she is underneath. With humor, honesty, and heart, Breakout is a powerful coming-of-age story about self-confidence, body image, and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Perfect for fans of: Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, Gordon Korman, and other middle grade books that balance humor with real-life struggles.
Teachers & Librarians: This First Chapter Friday read-aloud is ideal for sparking conversations about self-esteem, identity, peer relationships, and social-emotional learning (SEL). A great addition to middle school ELA classrooms and book talks!
Helpful Classroom Links
📺 First Chapter Friday Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
📝 2026 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack: COMING SOON
📚 FULL First Chapter Friday Worksheet Bundle- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Engaging-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-8469855
🏫 Word Nerd Collaborative - www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
#FirstChapterFriday #BreakoutBook #ChristinaWyman #MiddleGradeBooks #RealisticFiction #MiddleSchoolELA #ReadAloud #BookTalk #SELBooks #BooksForKids #TeachersOfYouTube #ReadingEngagement #ComingOfAge #ConfidenceForKids #ReadersGonnaRead #amandazieba #wordnerd
Be sure to watch until the end for the mystery quote reveal (shared one word at a time!) and a story that will have students nodding along and saying, “OMG. Yesssss.”
About the Book:
Eighth grader Ellis Starr is dealing with a lot—school stress, shifting friendships, family changes, and acne that feels as explosive as the volcanoes she loves to study. As she navigates middle school challenges, Ellis begins to realize that what’s happening on the surface doesn’t define who she is underneath. With humor, honesty, and heart, Breakout is a powerful coming-of-age story about self-confidence, body image, and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Perfect for fans of: Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, Gordon Korman, and other middle grade books that balance humor with real-life struggles.
Teachers & Librarians: This First Chapter Friday read-aloud is ideal for sparking conversations about self-esteem, identity, peer relationships, and social-emotional learning (SEL). A great addition to middle school ELA classrooms and book talks!
Helpful Classroom Links
📺 First Chapter Friday Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
📝 2026 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack: COMING SOON
📚 FULL First Chapter Friday Worksheet Bundle- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Engaging-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-8469855
🏫 Word Nerd Collaborative - www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
#FirstChapterFriday #BreakoutBook #ChristinaWyman #MiddleGradeBooks #RealisticFiction #MiddleSchoolELA #ReadAloud #BookTalk #SELBooks #BooksForKids #TeachersOfYouTube #ReadingEngagement #ComingOfAge #ConfidenceForKids #ReadersGonnaRead #amandazieba #wordnerd