Jennette McCurdy, best known for her role in iCarly and her bestselling memoir 'I'm Glad My Mom Died,' is making a significant transition into novel writing with her debut novel, 'Half His Age,' set to be published in early 2026.

Her upcoming novel 'Half His Age' will be published by Ballantine Books on January 20, 2026, marking her first foray into fiction after her successful memoir.

The novel centers on a 17-year-old girl named Waldo who is involved in a relationship with her teacher, exploring themes of desire, power, self-discovery, and complex teenage emotions.

Set in Alaska, the story follows Waldo as she navigates her affair, delving into issues of sex, class, consumerism, and the intricacies of teenage identity.

McCurdy describes the novel as perceptive, mordantly funny, and poignant, reflecting her personal exploration of desire, loneliness, rage, addiction, and the internet.

Writing 'Half His Age' was a profoundly meaningful and creatively fulfilling experience for McCurdy, allowing her to explore complex themes through her protagonist.

McCurdy hopes her novel will resonate with readers by portraying an authentic young woman and addressing familial trauma and self-discovery, echoing her own life experiences.

This novel announcement follows her critically acclaimed memoir, which sold over three million copies worldwide and was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than ninety weeks.

McCurdy is also adapting her memoir into an Apple TV+ series starring Jennifer Aniston, with McCurdy serving as co-creator, co-showrunner, and co-writer, expanding her presence in television.

She is working as a showrunner and creator for the adaptation, with Aniston cast to star as her mother, highlighting her expanding influence in TV production.

McCurdy's writing journey, including her work on 'Half His Age,' has been driven by her desire to confront and explore difficult personal and societal issues, inspired by authors like Lisa Taddeo and Ottessa Moshfegh.

Preorders for 'Half His Age' are available, with the book releasing in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats on January 20, 2026.