WOW! This book had me from the get-go. I loved the setting and main character Adriana, but what really kept me going was the tone of the writing and the fact that she took the fall when she didn't commit the act that landed her in juvie. That combination was perfect for this story. I was terrified for Adriana when she lost her journal, and my relief when the story unfolded was complete.

I am a bit partial to Neal Shusterman, and the co-writing in this book was well done. "Break to you" is not afraid to directly address issues modern-day teens face, including racism, social issues, and the tendency to fall head over heels immediately.

This book is definitely going to be on my shelves and shared with many teens.

Break to You tells the story of an unlikely romance between two teens living at the Compass juvenile detention center. Adriana has just begun her seven month sentence after taking the fall for someone she thought was a friend of hers. She manages to convince the counselor to allow her to bring her journal in with her, but accidentally leaves it behind in the library shared with the boys at the detention center. The journal is found by Jon, who has been at Compass for years and built a reputation for himself. He writes back to Adriana through her journal and the two strike up a friendship by passing the journal back and forth in the library. It was heartwarming how the two found friendship with one another through the journal, but it felt like it jumped to love a bit quick. The buildup of the story was also quite show throughout the first section and then felt almost rushed in the last quarter. That being said, it touched on important topics, especially those surrounding how incarcerated children are treated by the state.

Normally, I do not look for books with more than one author, but Break to You publicity had an intriguing topic for me – two teens in juvenile detention. Break to You has three authors: Neal Shusterman, Debra Young, and Michelle Knowlden. As a writer, I can’t figure out how you even write with one other person, much less two, but these three have figured it out.

Adriana has seven months to hang in there at the detention center before returning to a dysfunctional family – a distant father, a stepmother who is trying too hard, and a toddler stepbrother who is the only family member with whom she has a loving relationship. Jon, who has already been at the center for years, has a family backstory that put him there and gains the reader’s sympathy. Touted as a modern detention center, flaws in the system show up quickly.

Happenstance puts Adriana in the library as her work assignment and sets up the accidental leaving of her journal that will become a connection with Jon even in a center where the boys and girls never meet up. Teenage and adult secondary characters are well defined with believable characteristics.

The three authors worked seamlessly to produce a story with tension that kept me turning pages and rooting for both Adriana and Jon as well as several of the secondary characters, especially the foster child who has no reason to be there except that there is nowhere else for him to go.

While this is written especially for middle graders, anyone who cares about redemption of young people who, at worst, have made bad choices in friends, places to be, and spur of the moment decisions will find it a good read. I read it in an ARC from Net Galley, but it goes on public sale today.

I have used Shusterman’s Bruiser as a read-aloud in my classes for some time and it’s always a hit with students. Unlike that story, there is no element of magical realism here. There is, however, some pretty good poetry.

Adriana must spend seven months in a juvenile detention facility, thanks to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She almost welcomes the opportunity to get away from a father she had been estranged from, a step-mother who’s trying too hard, and a cute toddler half-brother. She feels like her dad avoids her as much as possible—even before she goes into lockup.

Jon is a legend at Compass, having been there for a long time due to one very bad decision in the wake of his mother’s death. He is about to age out, and is facing the possibility of being moved to adult prison.

The two “meet” via Adriana’s misplaced journal and begin a furtive correspondence that leads, although they’ve never spoken to each other, to love.

Both must navigate in an institution where not every adult is trustworthy, and many of their fellow inmates are even less trustworthy. The friendships an alliances they form lead to an almost Shawshank-like plot to actually meet face to face in the bowels of the facility.

Both Jon and Adriana definitely show character growth and development over the period in which the story takes place. The teenaged side characters are interesting and well fleshed-out, the adults somewhat less so.

The storytelling itself is a great example of showing, not telling. Things like the races of the characters are subtly telegraphed without coming out and declaring them. I love this.

I don’t want to spoil things here! I will say that, like Bruiser, this is not wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end. It ends with hope, but not certainty.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Some cursing. Difficult family situations. Violence. Lying and sneaking. Parental death.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like gritty, reality-based stories of teens in difficult situations.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2024/07/lets-start-july-with-bang.html

Break to You is told in alternating POVs. Adriana and Jon are both in a juvenile detention center. They find a way to communicate. While the main focus of the story is on Jon and Adriana's relationship, the authors manage to get across the many different types of situations and interactions that kids may find themselves in when in a detention facility. I think this is a solid YA read.

Hands down, the most important facet of this book for me was the discussion of the juvenile detention system. The stories of the kids who ended up there were definitely emotionally provocative, and while this is definitely marketed as a romance book (and it does have a romance plot, no doubt!) that was secondary to me to the commentary on what kids go through in this very messy system. This is such a complex topic, and I have so many thoughts on it, certainly too many to cram into what is supposed to be a book review, so I'll just say this: it is not by accident that most of the kids who end up in the juvenile detention system are those least able to fight their charges. If you head down to your local juvy, I'll give you a guess at how many rich white kids are in there. You probably won't need more than one chance.

This is in part how Adriana and Jon find themselves in their respective predicaments. And, how they find each other. Adriana is to be keeping a journal for mental health reasons, and eventually convinces the detention center psychologist to let her keep it. One thing leads to another, and she finds she's left it in the library... with all her most personal, deepest thoughts inside for anyone in the facility to stumble upon. Luckily, Jon doesn't share her thoughts with every dude in the group (granted, he does read it, which is kind of crappy, but alas), and he also responds to her. So begins their correspondence, which makes both of their stays a bit more bearable. And look, the relationship is a little (a lot? Idk) insta-lovey. But it wasn't a huge deal for me.

Because there is so much more going on than just Adriana and Jon's developing relationship, and I really think that is where the heart of this story lies. Each main character has a group of fellow detainees that become almost more like a family, and deciding who is trustworthy- who would help them and who would harm them- becomes a huge focal point. So too do the secrets festering behind the scenes at this center. It is corrupt, as most are wont to be, and figuring that out is equally harrowing (and important) for our characters. And if you are not absolutely enraged at some of the issues... well, you need to be.

Bottom Line: It's a beautiful story of love and friendship, but I also hope it makes you as incensed as it made me.

This book about two teens in a juvenile detention center didn't work for me. I absolutely believe more fiction needs to be written about the situations that teens face when incarcerated but this isn't it. I liked that it showed the power of books and writing, but the romance situation was so implausible that I skimmed the last half of the book.

I work for a nonprofit that seeks to end youth incarceration (it’s incredibly harmful and doesn’t have the impact you would expect. Rehabilitation and restorative justice work WAY better at stopping the cycle of recidivism.) and I was so excited about a book set in a JDC. But I am quitting it at 18% bc there’s going to be a (straight) romance. That is literally not possible in a JDC. Queer romances, sure, but boys and girls are completely separate. It’s simply not a possibility. And I can tell already the romance will be the focus. Also, Adriana is annoying as a main character. I’d rather follow Pip’s story. Cannot believe I am DNFing a Shusterman…

As an in depth look at America's juvenile justice system, this was amazing. As a story, I sadly didn't like it that much.

Neal and his cowriters have obviously done a lot of research into juvenile detention and its dehumanising effects on people; the regimented lifestyle and the necessity for cliques comes across really clearly, and there were times I had to put it down and remind myself that I could leave the room any time I wanted. Hopefully it will spark some conversations, or at least a closer look at who's in charge in these centres and what the end result actually is.

However, as a story, I didn't like it that much; I thought it dragged and I couldn't empathise much with either of our leads. We just didn't click. It is very well written though and I know some readers are going to absolutely love it.

A mixed bag for me, but I think it's going to do well overall.

3.5⭐️ rounded up

I was expecting this to be more like the other books by Neal Shusterman I have read. It was pretty different but I really enjoyed it.

I loved the background info about all of the kids I. The juvenile detention center, and what their daily lives looked like. I liked how the ‘main event’ (no spoilers!) was presented but wish the last part of the book was a little longer, it left me wanting more! Not a bad problem to have I suppose.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Break to You broke my expectations - in a good way.

I had picked this one up hoping it could be a new option for my 8th grade book clubs - drawn to the idea of shedding light on the experience of kids in the juvenile justice system. And this book is for sure perfect for that, but what I didn’t expect was how fun a story it would be as well.

I was really expecting a heavy reality drama that would beat readers over the head with sad details of the lives of incarcerated young people. And don’t get me wrong, there are definitely sad details - so many layers of what goes on in the lives of teenagers and the realities they cope with sometimes leading them to make bad decisions, sometimes leading them to impossible circumstances. This book accomplished what the authors described as their goal: to show “that there is more to life than the walls that surround us, more to incarcerated kids than the crimes and circumstances that put them in detention, and more we can all do to bring about positive change in the juvenile justice system.” But they achieved this goal subtly. The book doesn’t wallow in the sad details. They aren’t the whole plot of the book. Instead, the authors have the harsh reality stuff embedded within a romantic, at times action-filled, adventure with plenty of surprises and edge-of-your-seat suspense that sweeps you away until you aren’t thinking about what you are learning while in the process of being entertained.

The book was a little bit Holes, a little bit Ocean’s 11, and little bit Dash and Lily’s Secret Book of Dares. It’s got a cast of memorable characters, some likeable, some absolutely not. At times the character types felt a little tropey, but tropes work for a reason so it’s forgivable. It had heartfelt moments, heart racing moments, heart breaking moments, and at least one moment where I’m pretty sure my heart straight up stopped. It’s got a faced-paced and clever writing style, interlaced with poetry and room for imagination. It had me captivated, it helped me understand a bit about kids in the juvenile justice system, and now I’m excited to share it with kids in my classes come fall.

Told in alternating voices this is a great story. So many different perspectives and voices. Great story great characters. Great feeling of hope when it is over.

This reminded me of Punching the Air and Boot Camp, though the setting of Compass was quite different, many of the social dynamics and trauma experienced by children was similar. I did not enjoy the ending "twist" with Jon's situation (don't want to spoil), as it read more like the motive of a psychological thriller antagonist. This is definitely a unique love story, and while imperfect, I would welcome this text in my classroom library.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books for the opportunity to read an arc of Break to You! Break to You releases on July 2nd.

I picked this book up because it was Neal Shusterman, even though I’m usually not so crazy about his coauthored works. I always consider his books for our school-wide reading event. I erroneously assumed that the novel was Science Fiction because of the cover without reading the summary first. Overall, this book just ended up being alright once I got into it. The 400 pages flew by, but this had very little of Shusterman’s syntax.

If you’re a librarian trying to figure out how to catalog this book in your genrefied collection, I hypothesize that this one will circulate better in Realistic Fiction instead of Romance. There is a love story, but it’s not a romance. This book would be a good recommendation to students who haven’t enjoyed a story since reading Holes or The Outsiders, but they have to get through Adriana’s point of view first.

The story opens up with us meeting our MFC Adriana who has just recently been sent to Compass a juvenile detention center where she’ll be for the next 7 months. Upon entering the facility she brings her journal which helps her release most inner feelings when they begin to consume her.

At some point she loses this journal in the detention library where upon her next visit she can’t find it. It’s at this point we meet Jon who has invaded Adriana’s thoughts, feelings, and inner most secret which are often written in poem.

The dual POV switches us to Jon who has been in Compass longer than anyone there. The boys often had switch times from the girls to avoid contact with each other but despite all that Jon and Adriana become star crossed lovers sharing their inner selves through the notebook.

The walls become stifling and soon they both devise to plan to met.

Although slow at first I enjoyed the environment that the authors built to put you in the space of what its may sometimes feel like for those in juvenile detention and how oppressive it may feel. The characters evolved throughout the story and we get a satisfying end.

5. Neal Shusterman has no business being this good. I want to hate him, because I’ve had to buy eight copies of Scythe, since my students love to steal it. Even though this one is set solidly in the real world, it’s still an outstanding adventure with characters that I love, as well as some that are seriously hate-able. I’m so glad Shusterman picked juvenile detention as the setting for this. It’s a place most prefer to forget but this book reminds us that love can be found in unlikely places, Sometimes, what is supposed to be chicken can wind up being lobster—unexpectedly delightful—just like this book. Read it. Perfect for classroom use. Twists keep the action moving until the last page.

I am a HUGE Shusterman fan, so when I saw this coming out I jumped on it immediately. But I was disappointed in this one. It really didn’t feel like his voice was in the story at all. I suppose that is what happens when you have three minds working together to author a novel. I think this is a much needed look into the teen experience of a juvenile detention center. I wish it has dived in deeper though. I feel like I didn’t really get to know all of the characters as well as I would have liked to. And I’ll admit- I found it hard to root for Adriana. I much preferred reading about Jon. The focus was much more on a budding romance than anything else, and I would have appreciated more depth. Something else that stood out to me in this one were the glaring inconsistencies. I know this is an ARC and that a final copy may have these things adjusted (I hope!), but they were noticeable. I did like how the story wrapped up and the ending was satisfying. Overall I think this may appeal more to younger YA readers.

Break to You

By: Neal Shusterman, Debra Young, and Michelle Knowlden

Harper Collins Publishers

Adrianna has been placed into a juvenile detention center, Compass. She has a strained at best relationship with her father and stepmother and acts as though she wants to be cut off from all who love her. The only way she can express her feelings is in her cherished and carefully protected journal. Even though careful, Adrianna loses track of her journal in the school library and was surprised when she found it again someone else has written in her journal going by the name of “J”.

Jon (“J”) has been at Compass for a long time with no real hope of getting out soon. Being able to share his feelings with what feels like a true friend, perhaps even love, seems too good to be true. Will he ever be able to meet “A” in real life? Will he ever get out of Compass?

I can see the appeal of this book for a young reader who might be separated from a friend, love or loved one. The question of being able to get away from circumstance and to a place and time where one is free to make decisions and choices that aren’t dictated by an authoritative figure might seem to be miles away and it would be beneficial to seem this situation played out by a character in a book. I liked the varied format of the book but still found parts of the story to lag.

3.0 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for allowing me to read “Break to You” in exchange for an honest review.

Told through alternating points of view of two teens in juvenile detention, it gives a glimpse into their lives- and the adults who control them. Heart-pounding disbelief. Must read.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.