Jennette McCurdy Faces Backlash Over Debut Novel Premise, January 2026 Release

Jennette McCurdy, actress and bestselling author, is set to release her debut fiction novel, Half His Age, in January 2026. The story follows Waldo, a 17-year-old girl who embarks on a secret affair with her married teacher, exploring themes such as desire, power, loneliness, class, and self-discovery. While McCurdy describes the novel as a darkly comedic and poignant exploration of complex emotions, the book has sparked significant backlash online, with critics accusing it of romanticizing grooming and abuse. Despite controversy, McCurdy emphasizes that writing the novel was a creatively fulfilling experience and hopes readers will connect with Waldo’s nuanced character. Half His Age will be published by Ballantine, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and is available for preorder in multiple formats. This release follows McCurdy’s successful memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, which is also being adapted into an Apple TV+ series starring Jennifer Aniston.