Spotlight on WHY WE BROKE UP by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

  I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.

Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.
*description from GoodReads*

What's not to love about this book? I haven't had a chance to get my hands on a copy yet, but it sounds so unique and intriguing! I've heard wonderful things on Twitter about it, and here's what some of the reviewers are saying... (FOUR starred reviews so far!!!)

* "A bittersweet diatribe of their break-up arranged around objects....all the more powerful because of how they evoke truth more than any mere relaying of facts." (Booklist, starred review )

* "Characters are vivid, and their portrayal is enriched by realistic dialogue....Hander offers a heartbreaking, bittersweet, and compelling romance with a unique angle and flare." (School Library Journal, starred review )

* "As objects from the box are revealed in Kalman's vividly rendered paintings, readers are taken beneath the surface of what will no doubt be one of the most talked-about romances in teen literature....A poignant, exhilarating tale of a love affair gone to the dogs." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review )

* "Handler shows exceptional skill at getting inside Min's head and heart...lending real pathos to Min's memorabilia and making her sorrow all the more palpable." (Publishers Weekly, starred review )

And about the author and illustrator...

You may have heard of this author before, but possibly not under the name Daniel Handler!

DANIEL HANDLER has written for grown-ups under his own name and for younger readers under the name Lemony Snicket. He was dumped at least three times in high school.

MAIRA KALMAN, acclaimed artist and designer, has created many books for both grown-ups and children. Her heart was broken in high school by a boy who looked like Bob Dylan.

This novel will be available from Little, Brown Books For Young Readers on December 27th.  You can pre-order a copy today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local independent retailer.