Unstuck

by Barbara Dee

From critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee comes a middle grade novel about a girl whose struggles with 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?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Writing, Contemporary, Fiction, Books About Books, Family

1 pages, Audio CD

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an advanced copy for #bookexpedition to read and review.

Barbara Dee has a gift for finding the middle grade voice, and her latest novel may be my favorite.

Seventh grader Lyla is a writer. She’s got an amazing idea for a fantasy story floating around in her head, so when her ELA teacher introduces a creative writing unit, Lyla is thrilled. But she quickly finds that getting her story ideas from her head onto paper is harder than she imagined, and writer’s block grabs hold and won’t let go.

Part of Lyla’s block is due to her desire to impress others, especially her best friend who’s going to a different school and making new friends. Lyla’s also putting pressure on herself to enter (and win!) the town’s writing contest. And when Lyla tries to talk to her over-achieving older sister Dahlia, she discovers Dahlia has a secret that adds a new piece to the writer’s block.

One of my favorite characters was Lyla’s ELA teacher, Ms. Bowman, who uses the terms listed below to address her students:
Cats & kittens
Dust bunnies
Gumdrops
Tiddlywinks
Peas & carrots
Firecrackers
Ducks & chickens
Snickerdoodles
Chipmunks

My favorite line was on page 111:
“Reading is kind of disappearing. Writing is….the opposite. A kind of appearing.”

With themes of creativity, family, and friendship and a list of 25 ways to get “unstuck” when writing, I highly recommend purchasing a copy when it publishes on 2/27/24!

[cobwebbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got a hold of an advanced reading copy of this book from my local library and gotta say, happy to be ending the year on a book I really enjoyed. I’ve had a rough time finding middle grade fiction that appeals to me as an adult or even that I think the target audience would enjoy, but this is definitely one that I think readers (and particularly writers) of all ages can appreciate.

The main character experiences struggles related to writer’s block, writing contests, and external/self-made pressure with deadlines that echo life events I’ve had. Interpersonal drama with her friends and family also felt realistic and relatable for the setting. The middle school kids that made up most of the principle cast acted appropriately kiddy. All of the problems aren’t neatly wrapped up according to plan by the end, which is nice (I am always a fan of the Rocky approach, lol).

One critique would maybe be that the story the main character writes feels a bit too one-to-one self-insert fan fiction-y, but on the other hand I literally experienced middle schoolers writing and drawing that exact sort of thing both consciously and unconsciously, so. Fair enough.

[Harmony Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hit me in all my 7th grade girl feels.

Growing pains, friendship, sisterhood, and that weird feeling when you KNOW you're really good at something but you're suddenly struggling with it hardcore.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love middle grade books by Barbara Dee, and this was no exception. It hits a unique spot. Kids who struggle with getting stuck in their writing will totally relate and there are so many phrases that will *stick* with you. (At least I know they’ll stick with me!) :-)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book. The character of Lyla was so dynamic. I loved how the story she wrote paralleled what was happening in her life.

[Carrot · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because reading is disappearing. Writing is… the opposite. A kind of appearing.”

Ode to “Unstuck”:

So many great books, but none like thee—
None explore so true, none dig so deep…
But you get the clocks turning—
And sets inspiration a-free!
You make it a perfect book,
For an aspiring writer like me :)

Need I say more? There’s so many little snippets of tips that I really believe are lessons Barbara wants to transcend to this new generation of young writers. And as someone who struggled with a kind of writer’s block, I think this book is indeed a treasure. It brings us insight, and it reminds us of WHY.

“It’s almost like I forgot why I was writing in the first place: because I had a story in my head. A really, really good one. That I loved, and wanted to share with people.”

There were 3 ongoing major (sub)plots, one to do with Lyla’s writing, with her best friend Rania, her sister Dahlia, and also a less executed but very important part: her new friend, Journey. This book is written in first person perspective, which allows readers to dig into Lyla’s head and make this all the more authentic to read. And read, not exactly disappear. I think as this book’s topics resonated with me so incredibly much, it felt like a part of the writing process. A kind of, quoting this magnificent book, appearing. Rania is Lyla’s best friend, or she used to be. Rania’s story with Lyla is a pretty classic middle school occurrence. And what I found interesting, Lyla’s relationship with Dahlia. Of course, there are stakes. But their interactions really made me ponder. I found Dahlia’s struggles very memorable. And Lyla’s point of view is also an amazing exploration on classic sister dynamics. Except, it wasn’t truly mundane. I found that both of their struggles spoke to me. Because Barbara Dee has done such an exceptional job developing the conflicts faced by the characters. It felt so real, and was far more intriguing than most realistic fiction books I’ve read.

But I couldn’t resonate much with Lyla, besides our love of writing and our similar struggles that have to do with it. For the most part, she felt too ordinary. In fact, I found Journey much more relatable. Between her social struggles and her uniqueness. Lyla wouldn’t truly stand out as much, but it doesn't mean it’s unrealistic. What I felt is deeply personal, but due to this affected a bit of my enjoyment.

“What would it be like if people didn’t expect stuff, didn’t assign words like “superstars” or “weirdos”? “Jocks” and “brains” also. Vanguards and Scribes, too, actually. Words that get you stuck, and describe your fate forever. Unless someone rescues you. Or you escape.”

When I was glued to my seat on the first day, I thought I’d finish it that day! This book is a pretty concise one, with 272 pages. But it did exactly what it was supposed to. Of course, it didn’t dive immensely deep into the character’s mind as I’d like to, but this book is really something that can’t be touched. It’s not the best book ever, but it’s a hidden gem that truly can help someone.

And the reason I was turning page after page was the high stakes! It did get a bit stressful sometimes, but oh, was it immersive! It’s a story that will forever live in my mind, as even though it’s not the classic formula for what I consider the most magical stories, the writing magic cannot be outmatched.

In the end, I finished this book and my eyes probably sparkled. The next day, I sit in the library typing my short story down (that I was a bit stuck with)! But with total serendipity, and much gratitude. And right now, I’m finishing this review, hoping for my fellow aspiring writers to all come check this out. And if you are one, we already know each other. I wish you the bestest of luck on your journey! Remember, your story is unique and I’m already a fan :)

“Remember, you don’t write to win a trophy. You write because you love to, and because there’s a story you want to tell. That’s the prize you give yourself, and it’s the only one that matters.”

Immediate Thoughts:

I truly, truly wish I have read this book when I first got stuck. The message is beyond simple, but it's the simple that works when you're complicating things! Find your why.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good but some of the plot points never get resolved

[Kasey Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another AMAZING book by Barbara Dee!! Lyla’s story is combined with the fantasy book that she is struggling to write as she navigates changing friendships when she starts a new school & family tension as her sister is having a difficult time writing her college essays. You get both Lyla's story and the fantasy story she is writing. Middle grade students will relate to her changing friendships and what it feels like for her to want her writing to be perfect. Also included fantastic tips for writers block! Must Read!

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG BARBARA DEE HAS A NEW BOOK???? AND IT'S ABOUT WRITING???

*angels fall from the sky and start singing*

WHEN CAN I GET THIS????

Update:

Read this multiple times now and it's been enjoyable every time! I want to see Lyla's book become a real book. I mean, I love all the little excerpts we get to see of her book. Aster should definitely have her two sidekicks, but also have a little blue hedgehog. (Inspired by Journey's, of course!)

[Erin Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely middle grade novel about Lyla, a young writer, going through the anxieties and growing pains of seventh grade. It definitely brought me back to navigating changing friendships at that age. I also enjoyed the tips for writer’s block included at the end!

[Sara Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like this book was written for me—I saw myself as Lyla, the writer, and Ms Bowman, the teacher. How lucky to see myself in two characters!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an ARC from the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The chapters were brief enough that I felt like I flew through the story (and I think it’ll be good for my middle schoolers who struggle with attention span). The story dealt with common struggles that happen in homes with teenagers, schools with bullying, and the process of growing up. I appreciated that the story didn’t completely end with everything tied in a neat bow with everyone learning the correct lesson. That’s life - sometimes the bullies win for a while, especially in school. Overall, I think there were a lot of great lessons throughout the book that students will find relevant. I do have to mention that as an axolotl parent, please never put sharp rocks in the tank - their skin is so soft that it doesn’t take much for them to get cut! (There was a detail about sharp rocks in Journey’s axolotl tank). ;) Well done, and I’ll definitely be adding this to my school’s library when it comes out!

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am looking for books for middle grade March and found Unstuck. The story of a girl who loves to write but is in a writing slump. Also she is making new friends now that she is at a new school. The story was good but not great. The parents in this story were so concerned that their oldest daughter went to College they refused to see how stressed she was. I was hoping for more from this story. I gave the book 3.5 stars. Still a good story if you are looking for a Middle grade book to read.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Bullying

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great middle grades book! Seventh grader Lyla is a writer with an amazing story developing in her head, but it is not flowing onto paper as she struggles to write as the time to enter an upcoming contest is dwindling.

Lyla is also working through her feelings about her best friend Rania, who is now in a different school with a new set of teammates and friends. Things at home are tense because of the friction between Lyla’s sister Dahlia and their parents regarding Dahlia’s plans after high school.

Lyla is a character you will want root for as she has to maneuver through these obstacles and make decisions for herself while looking out for others. She also has to learn how to let others support her.

[Jen Donnalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Dee just doesn't miss! It's about writer's block and think it will be a hit with the MS'ers.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get to read an early copy of Unstuck, because if there's any author who can get me unstuck from a reading slump, it's Barbara Dee. Like her other middle grade books, her latest was extremely relatable, making me feel all the feelings I've had before of writer's block and middle school friendship heartbreaks. I still don't know how she puts these feelings I've had in middle school and even in the present day into words in every one of her books, but I'm so glad she does.

[Jenn Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that the main character is a writer and I especially love her ELA teacher (she gives her students choice, is in a band, and calls her students by awesome names). As the main character struggles with writer’s block, she is also dealing with friendship issues, family dynamics, and pressure to live up to expectations. The book ends with “25 Ways to Get Unstuck” - which I know middle school writers will appreciate. Middle schoolers will love this one!

[Sally Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventh grade Lyla loves to write. She is thrilled when her new ELA teacher explains they will be starting a new creative writing unit. Lyla has ideas and is ready to write what she hopes will be a fantasy novel, maybe even a series.

Armed with her trusty blue gel pen, a new notebook, and what she knows is an awesome opening sentence, Lyla starts to write. During the 10 minute writing sessions, Lyla is shocked to find once she writes her opening line, she is stuck. She tries creating a character family tree and even a map for the world in her story, but she can't seem to continue with the actual writing. Her teacher offers suggestions, but nothing helps.

Lyla is also struggling with friend issues and some problems at home. As a seventh grader, Lyla is going to a new school while her best friend is attending a different school in a different neighborhood. Lyla is used to bouncing ideas off Rania, but Rania isn't even returning Lyla's texts. At home things are rocky as her older sister is constantly fighting with their parents about her college applications. She confides in Lyla saying she doesn't even want to go to college. This secret weighs heavily on Lyla because she feels caught in the middle.

How can she get unstuck and finish her story? She'll never be able to enter the writing contest she's always hoped to win.

Author Barbara Dee has written another hit. Her fans will fall in love with Lyla in the first chapter. Dee's straight forward narrative and dialogue will help readers deal with their own challenges. You will want to read this new release ASAP.

[Lindsey Eick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from a webinar giveaway, and it was a great middle-grade novel about an aspiring writer and the writing process. It was a wonderful story filled with creativity, friendship, and family. Cannot wait to delve into more novels by @BarbaraDee ! Thanks @SimonKids for this amazing novel!!

[Chris G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much that changes in 6th grade and it’s especially hard that Lyla’s best friend Raina goes to the rival middle school and is making a new set of friends while Lyla’s new friend-making feels more tenuous. Home is unsettled since big sister Dahlia, who has always been the perfect student, is resisting getting her college apps in, sparking frequent fights with their parents. Lyla loves to write, but she’s feeling totally stuck with the fantasy novel she’s been creating in her head and can’t get down on paper. Dee absolutely nails the 6th grade voice; Lyla’s words, feelings and school/family experiences are exactly what I’m hearing from the 6th graders in my life. So well done! EARC from Edelweiss.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla is like so many of my students, with all the ideas but nothing on paper! So glad that now I have a book to hand them!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla's struggle with writer's block highlights an issue that many young people must overcome. Lyla's excitement when her class starts a creative writing unit shines through clearly, as does her voice. She's full of ideas about what to write about the fantasy story that resides in her imagination. What she doesn't expect though is how hard it becomes to get those ideas down on paper. As the days and weeks pass she finds herself writing almost nothing despite all her ideas. Even worse, Lyla's determined to enter a writing contest that has a rapidly approaching deadline. Conflicts with her best friend and her sister's fights with their parents don't help her become 'unstuck' at all. Luckily, Lyla's newish friend, who has no interest in writing at all, provides some much needed perspective, as does Lyla's teacher, Ms. Bowman.

One might not expect a book with such 'in the character's mind' problems to be so compelling. But Lyla's voice is so distinct and believable that she comes alive on the page. Her enthusiasm that turns into frustration and confusion is so relatable. Few readers will come away from the story without empathy for Lyla's struggles. The writing flows smoothly and the snippets of story that Lyla does write leave the reader wanting to know more about Lyla's fantasy world. Those snippets also parallel Lyla's own struggles with family and friends. All in all, a book that will be an easy sell to middle grade readers with it's winning heroine and relatable plot.

[Arya Joshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an interesting one. It had a lot of conflict and the plot was very interesting. The main character has been waiting so long to write her story. The epic one with dragons and witches and she wants to submit this story to a local writing competition. The one her genius sister won second place in. After the first sentence though, she has trouble writing the amazing ideas in her head. Meanwhile, at home, her family is having some problems, and she's not sure which side to join. One thing she knows, though, is that she will fix the problem. This book is a nice read. It is slow at first but gets better.

[Angel Delatorre camacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath taking read, I found myself enjoying and relating to it immensely. I too suffer from writers block have been in one since 2017. I must admit this book gave me a lot of great tips to try and break it. Growing up is hard, watching your best friend change and choose different people is a part of life but that doesn’t make it any easier. Oh how I so related to the pressure of being the best and doing exactly what my parents wanted it. Going to college isn’t an easy feet. This is one of my favorite reads of the year.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

A cute middle grade book about a young aspiring author with writer's block who loves fantasy and the way it affects her family and friend life. This was a quick read with a likeable protagonist. I especially enjoyed the writing tips included at the end of the book. A great read for young aspiring writers that was also good on audio!

[Tess Holbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this book to be so good!!! I read it in about two days which I expected to read in five days but anyway I would totally recommend this one and I’m definitely checking out the other books in this series!! 😁📚

[Jennifer Halbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book! Lyla loves to write until she gets stuck. What will get her unstuck? Help from a new friend? An inspiring ELA teacher? Comes out 2/24.

[Aaryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this middle grade novel about a middle schooler with writer's block. Barbara Dee really understands middle school students and I can't wait to put this into the hands of readers at my school.

[Fiona Crehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is page turner and a must read! This might be one of my favorite books ive ever read!