Alyson Stoner, a well-known entertainer and entrepreneur, is poised to share their compelling story in a new memoir set for release in the summer of 2025. Titled Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything, the book will be published by St. Martin’s Press and is anticipated to provide an intimate look at Stoner’s life experiences.
Stoner, who uses they/them pronouns, rose to fame in childhood, appearing in beloved Disney Channel shows such as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Camp Rock, as well as in films like Cheaper by the Dozen. Stoner’s career in Hollywood began at a young age; by eight, they were logging 80-hour work weeks. According to the memoir’s description, this demanding lifestyle often made it difficult for Stoner to find stability in a chaotic environment.
The memoir will delve into Stoner’s journey as a child star, touching on the complexities of their “turbulent home life,” struggles with addiction, and the process of discovering their sexuality. In addition to sharing personal anecdotes, Stoner aims to analyze the broader entertainment industry, particularly the “toddler to trainwreck pipeline” that many child stars experience. The book promises to explore the challenges faced by young performers and the steps Stoner took to forge a new life in adulthood.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Stoner emphasized the importance of the memoir’s content. “If I was going to pen a memoir, I needed to be certain it carried a lot of weight within its pages, both personally and collectively,” Stoner stated. They aim to reveal truths that have remained unspoken, citing legal contracts and personal experiences that even their closest friends and family are unaware of. Stoner described the book as an “extremely intimate journey of mental health and self-development.”
Stoner hopes that their memoir will prompt a larger reckoning within Hollywood and society as a whole. “I’m not holding back on sharing information that audiences deserve to know,” they said. “After years of research, I haven’t seen these stories presented quite like this.” Stoner expressed anticipation for the discussions and questions their chapters might ignite among readers.
Today, Stoner is not only an accomplished performer but also a multi-disciplinary artist and mental health advocate. They host the award-winning podcast Dear Hollywood and serve as the CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health-focused organization. In 2024, Stoner participated in the documentary Child Stars, directed by their former Disney Channel co-star Demi Lovato. The film features other notable former child stars, including Drew Barrymore and JoJo Siwa, as they collectively reflect on the pressures and challenges of growing up in the spotlight.
In the documentary, Stoner shared candid insights into their experiences. “I think I was kind of disassociated throughout the whole journey,” they reflected. “On the outside, you look like everything’s okay, and years later, you can’t remember a thing.” This sentiment underscores the lasting impact of their early career on their mental health.
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Stoner has previously addressed their struggles through various platforms, including an op-ed for PEOPLE in 2021. In this piece, they discussed the critical need for support systems for child stars. “I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their mind and body, especially youth who are vulnerable and have fewer tools to navigate daily life,” Stoner wrote. They emphasized that no matter what one has experienced, there is a pathway to reconnecting with oneself and reclaiming one’s narrative.
