The Breaker Dames
--EVERY FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY OF THE MONTH--
Come to the first session of the month with the first half of the book read, and have the whole book finished by the second date! Any questions, call 602-264-1414!
Have you been stealing your kids' books just to see what all the hubbub's been about? First it was Harry Potter, then it was Twilight, and now, I'm sure you're on to The Hunger Games. Maybe you've even nestled the book inside your Phoenix Home & Garden magazine to hide your voracious KidLit habit? Well, be ashamed no longer! Sarah Sullivan and Brianna Stapleton Welch, the founders and contributors of Slatebreakers.com, have curated a round of Young Adult Literature for this round of Practical Art's book club, and their selections are diverse and engaging novels for readers of all ages. In fact, adults bring your kids or kids bring a parent! Book clubs are great family dialogue fodder!
June: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhard.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
"Amazing book about a girl who takes on the all male secret society at her private school."
July: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.
Dystopia/Science Fiction.
"Incredible, unputdownable dystopia, the first in a trilogy, set on a distant planet in a terrifying future. I think it's better, even, than The Hunger Games, and with tons of great stuff to discuss."
August: Smile by Raina Telegemeir and Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol.
Graphic Novels.
"We paired these two together because they're both graphic novels and therefore super quick reads. Smile is a personal account of the author's painful orthodontia and middle school experience (it's amazing) and Anya's Ghost is a terrific blend of horror and teen angst."
September: The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
"Johnson is a key player in contemporary YA and this is my favorite of her books. Nina, Avery & Mel have been friends forever. Nina goes away to a summer program and falls in love for the first time. While she's away, Avery and Mel also have their first kiss, with each other. The three of them have to negotiate how both of these things change their friendship. Plus, it's funny."
October: Flygirl by Sherri Smith.
Historical Fiction.
"Totally compelling historical title, about a young black woman who flies air force planes during World War II. Fascinating both as an exploration of the historical moment and of issues of race and identity."
November: Everybody Sees the Ants by AS King.
Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
"The only hardcover title I included (because it's totally worth it), this story actually takes place in Tempe! Plus it's a gorgeously written story about bullying and growing up."
Practical Art's Book Club functions in 6-month rounds with guest moderators. "The Breaker Dames" round is moderator by the founders and contributors of the blog site Slatebreakers.com, Sarah Sullivan and Brianna Stapleton Welch. Their blog explores feminism in YA and KidLit. We invite you to participate in this round and on through next: Local Authors.