Unstuck - by Barbara Dee

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Lyla sets out to write the perfect fantasy novel in her creative writing class, but discovers some unexpected twists and turns, both on and off the page. Includes twenty-five ways to overcome writer's block.

Book Synopsis

"Both relatable and inspiring...an entertaining and heartfelt read." --Janae Marks, New York Times bestselling author of On Air with Zoe Washington

From critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee comes a middle grade novel that's "this generation's Dear Mr. Henshaw" (Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hattie Big Sky) about a girl whose struggles with anxiety and writer's block set off unexpected twists and turns, both on and off the page.

Lyla is thrilled when her seventh grade English language arts class begins a daily creative writing project. For the past year, she's been writing a brilliant fantasy novel in her head, and here's her chance to get it on paper! The plot to Lyla's novel is super complicated, with battle scenes and witches and a mysterious one-toed-beast, but at its core, it's about an overlooked girl who has to rescue her beautiful, highly accomplished older sister.

But writing a fantasy novel turns out to be harder than simply imagining one, and pretty soon Lyla finds herself stuck, experiencing a panic she realizes is writer's block. Part of the problem is that she's trying to impress certain people--like Rania, her best friend who's pulling away, and Ms. Bowman, the coolest teacher at school. Plus, there's the pressure of meeting the deadline for the town writing contest. A few years ago, Lyla's superstar teen sister Dahlia came in second, and this time, Lyla is determined to win first prize.

Finally, Lyla confides about her writing problems to Dahlia, who is dealing with her own academic stress as she applies to college. That's when she learns Dahlia's secret, which is causing a very different type of writer's block. Can Lyla rescue a surprisingly vulnerable big sister, both on the page and in real life?

Review Quotes

"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"

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

About the Author

Barbara Dee is the author of fourteen middle grade novels including Unstuck, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, Violets Are Blue, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post's Best Children's Books, the ALA Notable Children's Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.