Detectives Week Review: Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Brianna

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief  by Wendelin Van Draanen. Alfred A. Knopf, 1998. Currently available.

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Face Value: I checked out an old library bound copy, and I love the oddly colored images on the cover. It’s a cover that hints at mystery with its typewriter-inspired font and assorted objects that turn out to be clues throughout the story. It’s has lasting appeal and could potentially attract both boy and girl readers. I also love that it’s a middle grade cover that doesn’t look too “junior” – the artwork is grown up enough that no young reader would be ashamed carrying this book around.

Does it break the slate? For sure. Sammy is often put in less-than-ideal situations because she’s young, and every single time she uses her savvy instincts to assert herself. Even though this often gets her into trouble, she refuses to become a more demure version of herself. Sammy is also an astoundingly good friend. She is loyal to her BFF Marissa through thick and thin. I thought it was great to read this example of a strong friendship between two girls, because the whole “frenemies” thing gets old after a while.

Who would we give it to? This is the perfect book for those girls who are awkward outliers in middle school but grow up to be the cool kids in college. You know who I’m talking about – the girls sporting high tops, eclectic thrifty style, and a snarky attitude. There are a lot of girls just like Sammy out in the world and I’d love to get this book into their hands. Continue reading →

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Detectives Week Review: Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Sarah

Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak
Harcourt, 2005 (Currently Available)

Genre: Nonfiction

Face Value: Perfectly effective. This cover, for me, strikes the ideal balance of original Nancy Drew nostalgia and serious-looking nonfiction aesthetics. This is a book that I found on a shelf, not knowing anything about it, and bought partially because I was interested but largely because I found it so aesthetically appealing.

Interestingly though, as much as I like it, I think that the cover of this book, as well as the content led to some mishelving at my local bookseller. I am pretty confident that this book is intended for adult readers, with older YA appeal. It’s 350 pages with tiny print, and photos only in the middle section. And yet it was placed in with the middle grade collection. I’d be curious to hear from librarians as to where they place it and who they send it out to.

Does it Break the Slate? Without. A. Doubt. Brianna’s already talked about Nancy Drew and her Slatebreaking qualities, but it’s exciting to see the inherent feminism behind her creation. Sure, the two women primarily responsible for creating Nancy had different visions for her, but both of them envisioned her as the kind of young woman who they wanted to be – one who took the world into her own hands and solved her own problems and those surrounding her.

Who would we give it to? This is an impeccably researched, well-told nonfiction narrative. So I would give it to pretty much any adult or teenager who liked Nancy Drew as a younger girl. If you already have an interest in the subject matter, you’re going to enjoy reading Rehak’s account of Mildred Augustine Wirt and Harriet Stratemeyer Adams and how they created Nancy and her world.
Continue reading →

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Detective Week Review: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Brianna

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. Grosset & Dunlap, 1930. Currently available.

Genre: Mystery

Face Value: The copy I own, an 80th Anniversary Limited Edition, has a terrifically boring cover.It’s the book cover equivalent of a yawn. But I’m going to ignore that cover, because the “real” cover of this book, the cover that is a firmly implanted in my memory from childhood, is this one:

There is also this cover, which I don’t remember seeing as a kid, but I found it easily online.

I think that both of these old covers have tremendous appeal.  Nancy is fully visible (no cut off body parts on these covers). She is also actively engaged in the scenario – the pictures are relevant to the plot and show a young woman acting independently. From her stance and facial expression, we can tell that she may be in danger, and that makes it even more appealing because we can tell that she’s taking a great risk and being brave about it. Contemporary publishers, take note! It’s cool to have illustrated covers showing girls (with whole bodies) being active.

Does it break the slate? I can’t decide.  It is difficult to judge the Slatebreaking qualities of an 82-year-old book because I just do not know enough about the cultural context at the time of publication. In 1930, this book was tremendously Slatebreaking. But in 2012 its Slatebreaking status is hampered due to some outdated gender and class depictions. And because it is the first book in the series, Nancy is just getting started as an outstanding Slatebreaking female. Ultimately, Nancy is a Slatebreaking character, but the story surrounding her in The Secret of the Old Clock is not Slatebreaking.

Who would we give it to? Nostalgic folks, like myself, who were into Nancy Drew as a kid and want to relive the joys of childhood reading. I honestly have no idea if the original Nancy Drew books would appeal to young readers of today. There are a lot of Nancy Drew updates, including graphic novels and detailed digital gaming versions, floating about. These revitalized versions of the classic Nancy may have more contemporary appeal, but there’s something about the original Nancy that may attract young readers who are just beginning to explore the mystery genre.

Continue reading →

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Review: Addie on the Inside by James Howe

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Brianna

Addie on the Inside by James Howe. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. Currently available.

Genre: Middle Grade Poetry

Face Value: Even though it has that “cut off the body parts of the girl” element that can be really unappealing, I appreciate that we don’t see a face or full body of Addie. It let me imagine Addie as a girl who looked very much like I looked when I was in 7th grade (i.e., real awkward). The denim messenger bag and random political button are so appropriately middle school, and they accurately project the character we come to know as we read the book. Overall, not a splendid cover, but not a bad one either.

Does it break the slate? Oh, so much. Addie makes breaking the slate her job. What I love most about Addie is that it’s not always easy for her to break the slate. Sometimes she just wants to fit in, and she aches for acceptance. But she knows that following the popular path is not true to who she is, so she goes ahead and breaks the slate anyway.

Who would we give it to? This book should be mandatory reading for every girl about to enter middle school. If I had extra cash, I would just buy a case full of copies and sit at the door to the nearest middle school and hand it out to students as they enter. Not that that would look creepy, or anything. But you know what I mean. EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS!

Continue reading →

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Review: Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Sarah

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Lee and Low Books, 2011 (Currently Available)

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Poetry

Face Value: Perfect. The more I look at this cover the more I’m in love with it. It’s not all that flashy but it has a quiet complexity that reflects the story inside. You can’t see the details of Lupita’s features, but the silhouette looks right, the colors are gorgeous and so is the silhouetted mesquite tree. When you look at the book more closely you can see the nearly invisible words in the background – Lupita’s handwriting in the background of the sky and a map of Mexico beneath her feet, growing out like the roots of a tree. This is just one of those rare examples where the publisher gets it totally right.

Does it Break the Slate? Yes! In both big and small ways, Lupita is a Slatebreaker and her story is a powerful one. At a core this is a story about growing from girlhood to womanhood, chronologically, physically, intellectually and emotionally. Heartbreak and responsibility make her grow up faster than she might want to, but Lupita responds to these challenges with ferocity and strength as she figures out what it means to become a woman.

Who would we give it to? Guadalupe Garcia McCall has gotten a lot of awards for this book (her first!) and they are totally deserved. Hopefully the Pura Belpre & Morris recognition will get this book into the hands of a lot of kids. As an educator who works in Arizona with a huge Hispanic population, I’m always searching for great titles with Latina protagonists, and this one is particularly good.
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Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Brianna

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Dutton Books, 2011. Currently available.

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Face Value: This cover is a problem. I seriously think that Stephanie Perkins’ books don’t get enough recognition because they have covers that are a major turnoff. My problem with this cover is that a) I just can’t read this book in public without having fellow adults laugh in my face and b) the cover models don’t look enough like the characters.

Perkins spends so much time describing the appearance of her characters that I find it hard to believe the publisher didn’t take more care in styling the cover models. Yes, I see that the girl on the cover is wearing a quirky outfit and a fun wig, but she doesn’t look quite outlandish enough to be Lola at her best. And if we are to interpret this image as Lola when she is with Cricket, then she should be at her most colorful best, right? Not in a black dress. Cricket should have floppier, messier, taller hair and tighter pants. Although I give the publisher credit for the rubber bands and the permanent marker star on the back of his hand. (Yes, yes, I know I am being super picky, but the characters’ wardrobes are so much a part of the story that it irritated me that the details didn’t make it to the cover.)

Does it break the slate? No, not really, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. Sometimes books feature complex, conflicted girl characters (like Lola) who go through tough life situations. And sometimes those girls make stupid decisions (like Lola does). And sometimes, you want to grab those girls by the shoulders and shake some sense into them. Lola didn’t do much Slatebreaking in this book, but I think she learned some lessons that make her a stronger, more self-assured woman. And if a slate gets in her way in the future, I think she would be well equipped to break it.

Who would we give it to? Creative dressers and romantic souls. If you know someone who is typically a cynic but you suspect they secretly have a romantic comedy loving spirit tucked inside of them, they might enjoy this book. You should also give this book to anyone who enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss, because Anna and St. Clair make several appearances!

Review: Be forewarned – spoilers ahead! Continue reading →

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Review: A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Sarah

A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
Candlewick, 2011 (Currently Available)

Genre: Speculative Fiction / Science Fiction / Dystopia / Fairy Tale Retelling

Face Value: I listened to this book on audio, so I didn’t have the experience of looking at it regularly while reading. But if I had, it would have been more or less respectable, if nothing extraordinary. It’s a little pastel for my taste, and while I understand the Rose motif and Sleeping Beauty reference I would have liked something that included a little more of the harshness of Rose’s reality.

That said, this alternate version, via goodreads is terrible. That girl looks nothing like the way Rose is described in the books, half her face is missing and it looks like this book is going to feature sparkly unicorns or something.

Does it Break the Slate? Does it ever! I was so frustrated with Rose throughout the beginning of this book. I just wanted her to stand up for herself. And it seemed (at first) like this book was going to follow a traditional Sleeping Beauty/Princess Story format, with the fragile princess being rescued, protected and loved by the strong handsome prince who awakened her.

BUT you guys, that is totally a fake out. Yes, Rose is fragile and passive in the early chapters of the book. But what this book gives us is an extraordinary transformation, as Rose learns more about her situation and her previous life and starts to develop the strength and backbone to save herself, made more exciting by the absolute believability of her transformation. It’s a slow progression rather than an instant transformation. And as for that handsome prince business – that gets turned on its head early on, but not at all in the way we expect.

Who would we give it to? I hadn’t even heard of this book until it showed up on The Book Smugglers best of 2011 list at the end of December, but I was instantly intrigued. I think it’s a book that lends itself really well to book talks – the quick concept introduction is totally compelling. This one will play well to both the fairy tale retelling crowd, but even more so to the science fiction/dystopia crowd. And if you know audio book listeners, I found this one to be so exciting that there were times I didn’t want to get out of the car.

Warning: There are mild spoilers included in this review. I kept out the major reveals, but there are a few things I had to give away in order to analyze them. So if you’re particularly spoiler-phobic, stop now!
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Review: The Latte Rebellion by Sarah Jamila Stevenson

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Brianna

The Latte Rebellion by Sarah Jamila Stevenson. Flux, 2011. Currently available.

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Face Value: This is a chill cover. The latte on the cover made me long for a warm drink, and I was intrigued by the drawings on the napkin. I confess that I didn’t notice the art in the foam on the latte until I was well into the book. It’s kind of a generic cover, but it avoids many of the typical YA cover stereotypes, and that’s something to be grateful for.

Does it break the slate? Oh yes. It was kind of amusing to watch it happen, too. Asha, our main Slatebreaking lady, breaks the slate almost accidentally. Imagine her walking along with the slate, dropping it and watching it shatter, then quickly shouting out, “I meant to do that!”  I do wish that Asha’s social rebellion had been more intentional, but it was Slatebreaking nonetheless.

Who would we give it to? YA readers who are hungering for books with a diverse cast of characters. This book not only features several dynamic female characters of color, but it also directly addresses issues of race and ethnicity. That’s not something you see very often in YA and it is a welcome change from the norm. Continue reading →

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Review: Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Sarah

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
Margaret K. McElderberry Books, 2011 (Currently Available)

 Genre: Dystopia, Speculative Fiction

Face Value: Respectable. I had no shame in displaying this cover  while I read it in public, I like the use of color and the stark solitude of Saba as she walks into the dust. It’s evocative of the desperation and bleakness depicted throughout the novel itself. But what I’m really excited about is this paperback cover I found on Goodreads, that’s similarly appropriate to the book but a little more eye catching and glamorous.

Does it Break the Slate? YES x a MILLION!!! This book is Slatebreaking on more than just the surface level of featuring a tough-yet-prickly protagonist who defies expectations. Saba is a fierce, determined, Slatebreaking heroine who consistently demonstrates physical, mental and emotional strength. And then there’s her younger sister Emmi, who proves herself in her own right. There’s the badass REBEL GANG OF FEMINISTS, The Free Hawks, who are so incredibly fantastic that they really deserve their own book, and teach Saba that sometimes it’s ok to rely on your friends and still be strong. And then there’s Saba’s relationship with Jack, which is mutual and smoldering and features an honest-to-goodness Anne of Green Gables reference. Seriously. I might be reading too much into this, but check out pages 298-300, when Saba finds herself hanging onto a spike in the middle or a raging river, only to be rescued by Jack, leading to her denial that she needed rescuing and quibbling banter between the two of them. Yeah, she may have been on a rescue mission, not pretending to be the Lady of Shallot, but I still found the similarities too strong to ignore. Plus Moira Young is Canadian! She has to have grown up with Anne.

Who would we give it to? Did you like The Hunger Games? Did you like The Knife of Never Letting Go? Did you like Graceling? Ok, READ THIS NOW.
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Review: Pie by Sarah Weeks

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Brianna

PIE by Sarah Weeks. Scholastic Press, 2011. Currently available.

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

Face Value: It certainly grabbed my attention. I look at this cover and have a slew of questions: Why is the cat staring at that pie? Why is the pie floating? How can that picture of a not real pie look so delicious? Why am I not eating pie right now? Where can I get some pie? There’s also something retro and really appealing about the aqua and cherry red color scheme. I like this cover a bunch because it’s clean, simple, and showcases the most important thing: pie.

Does it break the slate? This book features two really lovely Slatebreaking characters: Aunt Polly, for whom this story is a sort of posthumous tribute, and her niece Alice. Even though Polly is dead for most of the book, she had a huge impact on people’s lives in her little town. Everyone remembered something special about Polly. Her presence in the community meant a lot to many people. She used her gift for pie baking to bring joy and financial success to the town, rather than using it for her own profit. She was a pretty neat lady, and I would definitely call her Slatebreaking. Alice gets Slatebreaking recognition for different reasons. She’s whip smart, persistent, and she doesn’t let those wet blanket adults stop her from solving a crime.

Who would we give it to? Young readers who like to help out in the kitchen or who fancy themselves to be junior detectives. It would also be a great book to share with any child who has ever been told that they have an overactive imagination.

In a historical moment for the Slatebreakers blog, I will be trying something new with this review. As usual, I will review the book. Then I will bake a pie from the book and  I will review the pie. Warning: What follows after the jump may make your stomach growl. Continue reading →

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