By Brigid Amoroso

Staff Writer

Former child actor Jennette McCurdy, known for her roles on the Nickelodeon television shows “iCarly” and “Sam and Cat,” announced her debut novel, “Half His Age,” on Aug. 28, 2025.

my debut novel – half his age – is available for pre-order now at the link in my bio. i love this book and hope you do too. it would mean a lot to me if you pre-order. ♥️

https://t.co/0UyoH2Hdc0

— Jennette McCurdy (@jennettemccurdy) September 22, 2025

The new book is set to be released on Jan. 20, 2026. The announcement follows the enormous success of her 2022 memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” which caught the attention of audiences everywhere with its provocative name and intense content.

McCurdy’s memoir is based on her one-woman show of the same name, which she performed in 2020, 2021, and 2022. It won the Goodreads Readers’ Favorite Memoir & Autobiography award by over 160,000 votes and is being adapted into a limited series for Apple TV+, which McCurdy will produce.

McCurdy’s most notable role was as Sam Puckett on “iCarly,” which she began at 15, and its spinoff, “Sam and Cat,” which also starred Ariana Grande. McCurdy was heavily pressured into acting by her mother at a young age, placing the burden of financially providing for her family on her shoulders. Before “iCarly,” she had recurring roles on “Will & Grace” and “Malcolm in the Middle” and guest roles in shows like “Law and Order: SVU” and “Zoey 101.” She quit acting in 2017 to focus on writing and directing.

The memoir details the shocking abuse McCurdy experienced at Nickelodeon and from her mother, Debra McCurdy, who died in 2013 and had a prominent role in her life. McCurdy also wrote about her struggles with eating disorders and addictions, which were intensified by the media and her mother’s control.

Her story is often heartbreaking and controversial, but McCurdy also breathes comedy into her writing. These are characteristics audiences are hoping she will bring to her first novel.

The synopsis for “Half His Age” explains that the story will follow a high-school-aged girl named Waldo as she traverses a taboo romantic relationship with her teacher, delving into themes of sex, class, and power.

The anticipation for the novel is high among her fans. Shortly after the announcement, the cover was unveiled, leaving many excited to see what Jennette McCurdy has in store for her debut.