Review: The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Sarah

The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher. Harper, 2013. Currently Available.

Genre: Middle Grade Mystery

Wig in the WindowFace Value: YES to this cover. It looks contemporary and fun, and the girls on the cover are so obviously Sophie and Grace, that there is no question that whoever designed this cover actually read between the pages. It’s active and interesting, and looks definitely like a MG cover without being childish. It also looks appropriately creepy,

Does it Break the Slate? Yes, this book 100% without a doubt breaks several slates into hundreds of pieces. It happens on many levels too. First, there are wonderful, interesting, complicated and multi-dimensional preteen female characters. Several of them. These aforementioned characters have all the agency, and are totally capable of making things happen for themselves.

Who would we give it to? Moved on from Cam Jansen but not quite ready for Veronica Mars? Ladies, let me introduce you to Young & Yang, a crimefighting duo with smarts, toughness and just the right amount of unadvisable risk taking. Continue reading →

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Review: Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough, Illustrated by Debby Atwell

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Brianna

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough. Illustrated by Debby Atwell. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2013. Currently available.

Genre: Biographical picture book.

2ce888_a6f8ef1a2919c336ab06dd158a9eea01Face Value: There’s a lot going on in this cover image. For me, there is one key element that stands out: the proportions of the people in the picture. Everyone is standing in front of the New York Public Library. The children are playing and reading and conversing in front of the steps, and Miss Moore towers above them all. I think the illustrator wants us to realize Miss Moore’s large presence and significance in the history of children’s libraries. From what I have read, it sounds like Miss Moore was an imposing personality who loomed large in the eyes of those who admired her.

Does it break the slate? Absolutely. With very basic text, the author creates the historical context to help us understand the limited opportunities available to women in the time when Annie Moore lived. We get to read about how Annie Moore repeatedly forged new paths for women and children, and dedicated time to make sure that young people throughout the United States and the world had access to library resources.

Who would we give it to? Do you know a very young person who has been assigned to read a biography for class? Ding ding ding! This is an awesome biography of a bold and smart woman who could inspire young readers. I also want to give a copy of this book to every children’s librarian I know. Continue reading →

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Review: This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Sarah

This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2013. Currently Available.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction (Middle Grade)

RatchettFace Value: I love the colors and the hand-drawn aesthetic. It reads a little young, but I don’t think it will deter the target audience for this particular book.

Does it Break the Slate? TOTALLY. Oh, Ratchet is well on her way to being a Slatebreaker – she spends the whole book figuring out who she is, and going after it. I also appreciate that she is a character who is allowed to like/want traditionally girly things (cute clothing), while also liking/wanting non-traditionally girly things (fixing cars).

Who would we give it to? Brianna and I were just talking about how she needs a good list of books about homeschool students. This is a perfect addition to that list, especially because every other book about homeschoolers I can think of involves them going into a traditional school setting. Ratchet is a great character, that kids will empathize and identify with, who both starts and ends the book in homeschooling. Continue reading →

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Review: Mermaid Park by Beth Mayall

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Brianna

Mermaid Park by Beth Mayall. Razorbill, 2005. Currently Available.

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

1293991Face Value: So dreamy. The underwater image has an ethereal quality. I’m not sure what’s going on with the kissy face she’s making at the goldfish, because that is definitely not in the story. I am also uncomfortable with the way the cover model’s arms just seem to fade away somewhere – there are no discernable limbs keeping her afloat.

Does it break the slate? Well, no. Amy, Mel, and her mother are struggling to define themselves as independent women. Amy especially tends to be reactionary. When someone provokes her, she immediately becomes defensive and closed off. Throughout the book she develops more positive, assertive tendencies, though she still has a long way to go.

Who would we give it to? Swimmers will love this book. It is packed with descriptions of shooting through the water, the scent of chlorine, and the feeling of pushing through current. Unfortunately, I am not a swimmer (I hate the feeling of being immersed) so I know I did not fully appreciate the descriptive nature of the book. Continue reading →

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Summer Jobs Week Review: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Sarah

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson. Scholastic, 2008. Currently Available.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction (YA)

Face Value: There are 2 covers available, and both are kind of average. The one I read I definitely prefer – it features a hotel wallpaper – totally relevant – the key to the Empire Suite – even more so – and the NYC skyline emerging outside of the key. It’s not that exciting, but it’s workable.

scarlett 1The second cover is also not the worst – we see Scarlett’s whole face, for example, and she meets the description of our hero. It’s just not all that exciting – the model is a little too come-hithery, the overall effect is a little more Carrie Bradshaw than I’d like.

0-439-89927-3Does it Break the Slate? Maureen Johnson is a vocally feminist writer, and this is absolutely clear in her fiction. Scarlett is a totally Slatebreaking character, and all the women in this book are funny, interesting and multifaceted.

Who would we give it to? If you love theatre, or have ever been involved in theatre, if you have imagined or romanticized living in New York City, and you’re looking for a terrifically funny and charming summer read, this is the book for you. Continue reading →

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Summer Jobs Week Review: How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Brianna

How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer. Balzer + Bray, 2013. Currently available.

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

16248148Face Value: There’s a pink tinge to this photo, right? I don’t think I’m imagining that this photo has some sort of pink color filter. I’m guessing that the publishers aren’t exactly marketing this to young male readers. The photo on the cover is cute and everything, but it doesn’t really capture the tone of the story. The park in the photo is much more carnival-esque than how Fairyland is described.

Does it break the slate? It does. Zoe is a very smart and self-aware young woman. Even though her job is weird and extremely challenging, she gives it 100%. I love her occasional spurts of activism, too. Sometimes she gets passionate and does something outrageous because she cares a lot. I also like Zoe because she’s not quick to characterize other women as stereotypes. Even when she sees them at their worst, Zoe considers the other factors that might lead to irrational behavior.

Who would we give it to? Summer interns who are stressing out about their jobs would find Zoe to be a kindred spirit. In the romance department, this book is tame enough that it would be totally acceptable for readers from middle school on up. Readers old enough to have a part-time job will understand some of the pressure Zoe experiences. Continue reading →

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Summer Jobs Week Review: The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Sarah

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen. Viking Juvenile, 2013. Currently Available.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

the moon and moreFace Value: I have to agree with the ladies of Forever Young Adult, and their assessment that this cover looks more or less like an ad for tampons. But we have been loving Sarah Dessen and not so fond of her covers since before we started this blog. So no surprises here, and it’s hardly even worth rolling our eyes at.

Does it Break the Slate? Totally! Emaline is one of my favorite Dessen heroines. Sure, she makes some questionable choices along the way, but she does so in a way that is really going after what she wants and who she wants to be.  Romance doesn’t play out quite the way it does in some of her previous books, but I thought it was really satisfying – and definitely Slatebreaking in the way it all plays out.

Who would we give it to? It’s a Sarah Dessen book, so it’s not like it’s hurting for readers. But I love books that take place in that transitional time between high school and college, and what they have to offer to their readers. High schoolers who are thinking about the next steps after graduation will find a lot to enjoy here. Continue reading →

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Working Women: Kicking Off the Summer Jobs Theme Week

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Brianna

working women

Summer and YA novels are a perfect pair. When hot weather and some spare leisure time coincide, it’s the perfect opportunity to curl up outside with a great book. I fondly remember the days before high school, when summer meant taking swim lessons and catching up on pleasure reading before classes started again. It was a rude awakening for me when I turned 14 and my mom told me I needed to get a job. My days of laziness were over. Continue reading →

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Review: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Brianna

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr. Little, Brown and Company, 2013. Currently available.

Genre: YA realistic fiction.

11819981Face Value: Sara Zarr has some of the better YA covers on the shelf. This cover is mature enough to appeal to readers who are turned off by the pink and purple overload that plagues most YA romantic fiction. There’s something beautiful about the black and white contrast of piano keys. I love them in this cover design.

Does it break the slate? This story is about change and growth. Lucy grows into a young woman who can make her own decisions. Her growth into slatebreaking territory is a rough journey. Lucy experiences pain, and causes pain for others, before she figures out what feels good and right for her future.

Who would we give it to? Girls who are under pressure from helicopter parents and facing high expectations at home and school will appreciate Lucy’s journey toward self-determination.

Continue reading →

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Review: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Sarah

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina. Candlewick, 2013. Currently Available.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Yaqui Delgado CoverFace Value: The title is the centerpiece of this cover, as it should be. It grabs attention, reflects the story, and doesn’t have a headless girl on it. Full points.

Does it Break the Slate? Definitely. Piddy’s story is almost painfully realistic, but her ultimate journey to a solution would give any girl both resources and hope in getting through a similar situation.

Who would we give it to? Bullying is a big thing – obviously since forever, but it’s a hot topic as of late. So there’s a real market for a well-written book like this one that addresses the issue unflinchingly and head-on. It has solutions, but not magical ones, and would be a great addition to a library collection. Continue reading →

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