Maggie's Big Break

by Jennifer Dickinson

Maggie Pierson is an 11-year-old aspiring actress starting sixth grade at a new school with her best friend, Francesca. Their first day is full of shared dreams about auditioning for the school's fall play, Dahlia Rockets to Space. But they're not the only one's looking to audition. Valentine, an experienced actress who has been in a commercial and a movie, has her eye set on the play's lead role and a new friend. Francesca falls under the spell of Valentine, the know-it-all actress who teases Maggie about her stutter. Maggie's disability has never held her back from performing before, but in the face of new insecurities and her best friend's abandonment, quitting seems like Maggie's best choice. How will Maggie find the courage to pursue her big acting dreams?

Unknown Binding

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Jennifer Dickinson is a widely published short story writer, book coach, and teacher. She has loved writing since she was seven years old, when a typewriter from her mother unveiled a world overflowing with characters and stories. Inspired by her own childhood experiences, including a severe stutter, she creates memorable, relatable characters who foster empathy and help young readers better understand people different from themselves. She attended Hollins University, a women’s college in Virginia, where she developed her passion for storytelling and fell in love with the power of theater. She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, Andy Reaser, and their two dogs, Hattie and Mabel; and spends her days writing stories and helping others discover how to tell their own. Find out more about her at jenniferdickinsonwrites.com.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and her best friend Francesca started at a new school for sixth grade girls. Inseparable for a long time, these two were excited about graduating to middle school, especially about a possible chance to be in a play together! The fact that Maggie stutters has never kept her from wanting to act, and Francesca has always encouraged her and stood up for her when people teased. Until now…Suddenly, due to a famous child star’s enrollment in their class, Francesca has become completely star -struck, and has morphed into someone Maggie no longer recognizes…
Boy, this author has nailed what it is like to be a girl in the sixth grade! It’s a time of transitioning , what with different teachers, unfamiliar kids, harder work with higher expectations, and friendship changes. Jennifer Dickinson knows of what she writes!
I loved the support that Maggie got from her parents! Her mother was warm and loving, available to listen when Maggie needed to unload, but also understanding when Maggie wanted to handle certain problems on her own. Dad is not physically around, having died of cancer quite recently. However, the bond between him and his daughter is evident from the memories Maggie has of him, especially his mantra that has encouraged her to try difficult things in the past: “Rock the Risk!”
A great book for middle-grade readers!

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

A lovely middle grade about learning to trust yourself and "rock the risk".

The main character here is Maggie, who has a stutter, but what I loved is that Maggie's Big Break isn't the stereotypical 'learning to accept herself, stutter at all' story. When we meet Maggie, she's already comfortable with her stutter, and her only problem with it is when other people don't follow the 'stutter rules'. Maggie's dream is to be an actress, and she knows that her stutter isn't something that would stop her from achieving that dream.

In particular, this story isn't focused on her stutter, but more her struggles with starting middle school - losing friends, making new ones, dealing with mean girls, and joining the school play. It's a very relatable story about growing up, just with excellent representation, both of having a stutter, as well as with a Deaf character with a cochlear implant.

My only issue with this book was that the play, the very central part of the plot, made absolutely no sense! It's about a girl who goes to space and makes friends with the planets, but for some unexplained reason, there are only 5 planets, and 6 total parts in the play! It felt like an excuse to avoid having to write about any more characters, but just ignoring the existence of other planets felt like a very bizarre choice!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!

[Hannah Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. The characters were all so distinct with their own stories and struggles. I loved the group of girls that rally around Maggie once she feels abandoned by her former best friend. Each of the girls has distinct interests and struggles. Olivia was my favorite because she really set the tone of a safe space for accepting herself and allowed Maggie to open up. I picked up this book because I'm an adult community theatre girlie/social worker and I felt drawn to the cover. Once I read that it had to do with a new school and a play, I thought it would be an entertaining read that would help me relate to the younger folks I work with. I didn't expect to almost cry when she talked about her relationship with her dad which was tender and supportive. I would highly suggest this book for school libraries and adults looking to raise inclusive, empathetic young people. Highly recommend.

Shoutout to NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maggie and Franchesca began their first day at their new school, they were absolute best friends. As it happens, new schools can sometimes be challenging and school pressure, peer groups, new friends, and ambitions can sometimes cloud adolescent judgement. Young readers will enjoy getting to know these fictional characters and discovering their challenges and reactions to the school play that becomes the center of their world.

Maggie's Big Break features interesting and realistic characters, incredible plot twists, and a guided tour through teenage behaviors and interactions. Whether as an addition to a classroom library for engaging book reports or a featured book for literary groups, Maggie's big Break offers material for deeper contemplation and engaging discussion.

[Andrew Reaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, grounded middle grade book. The characters are fully-realized and Maggie’s journey is entertaining and compelling. The story is filled with humor and empathy, and builds to a deeply emotional climax. Highly recommend!