Author Archives: Sarah

Review: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Sarah

Why We Broke Up written by Daniel Handler, illustrated by Maira Kalman Little, Brown and Company, 2011 (Currently Available) Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Illustrated Fiction Face Value: This book is truly a work of art in its own right. Maira … Continue reading →

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Watch the ALA Youth Media Awards with the Slatebreakers!

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Sarah

We are SO excited for the awards this morning you guys! We have been preparing religiously the past months, and (of course) have many strong opinions about which books deserve Newbery and Printz honors. We’re excited enough that we’re gathering … Continue reading →

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Review: The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Sarah

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis Wendy Lamb Books, 2011 (Currently Available) Genre: Historical Fiction Face Value: Just about perfect. Seriously, this is one of my favorite middle grade covers in ages. As Elizabeth Bird so aptly put … Continue reading →

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Review: Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Sarah

Bunheads, by Sophie Flack Little, Brown and Company, 2011 (Currently Available) Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction Face Value: I am so into this cover. It’s fantastic, the way it shows just the right mix of actual representation and wry commentary. I … Continue reading →

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Review: The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Sarah

The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell Harper Collins, 2011 (Currently Available) Genre: Fantasy / Fairy Tale Face Value: It works. I might not be head over heels for this cover, but it offers up a classic fairy tale vibe while … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Best of 2011: Our Favorite Middle Grade Titles

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Sarah

It’s the last week of 2011. That means both of the Slatebreakers have left Arizona for the freezing cold of Wisconsin and Michigan, that most of us are celebrating a range of holidays with our family members, that we’re preparing … Continue reading →

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Review: How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Sarah

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr Little, Brown & Company,  2011 (Currently Available) Genre: Contemporary Realism Face Value: As far as cover art goes, this is straight up lovely. I love the benches, the snow, the footprints, the … Continue reading →

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They Don’t Look Alike and Other Thoughts While Watching She’s the Man

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Sarah

Somehow, despite a love for teen movies and Shakespearean retellings, neither of us had seen the 2006 Amanda Bynes vehicle, She’s the Man, based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. At first glance, this seemed super promising. There’s something really likable and … Continue reading →

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Shakespeare Week Review: All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Sarah

All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen Tom Doherty Associates, 2011 Genre: Steampunk / Historical / Retelling Face Value: Eh. I’m pretty indifferent to this cover. It doesn’t set off any of my usual triggers – it has an … Continue reading →

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Use Your Grey Matter: Was Shakespeare a Feminist?

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Sarah

AAAAAAND it’s time again! It’s another theme week. Last time we did one of these we celebrated the amazing Meg Cabot, this time around we’re switching gears (and centuries) and talking about William Shakespeare. So we’ll be upfront here: we … Continue reading →

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