Dashka Slater

Dashka Slater is an American journalist and author who writes across multiple genres, including children's books, young adult novels, and long-form journalism. Her work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times Magazine, Mother Jones, and Newsweek. Her 2017 young adult non-fiction book "The 57 Bus" gained significant recognition, winning the Stonewall Book Award and becoming a New York Times bestseller. The book examines a real-life incident where an agender teenager was set on fire while riding a public bus in Oakland, California. Slater has published several acclaimed picture books for children, including "Escargot" and "The Book of Fatal Errors." Her journalism frequently focuses on social justice issues, education, and environmental topics. As both a journalist and author, Slater has received numerous awards including the Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Gold Medal for Literature from the Commonwealth Club of California. She continues to write across multiple formats while based in Oakland, California.

Readers consistently highlight Slater's ability to handle complex social issues with nuance and sensitivity, particularly in "The 57 Bus." Multiple reviewers note her balanced presentation of different perspectives without passing judgment. What readers liked: - Clear, engaging writing style that appeals to both teens and adults - Thorough research and fact-based presentation - Ability to make complex topics accessible - In children's books like "Escargot," humor and memorable characters What readers disliked: - Some found "The 57 Bus" pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more direct conclusions rather than open-ended discussions - Picture book "Dangerously Ever After" received comments about being too dark for young children Ratings: - "The 57 Bus": 4.4/5 on Goodreads (31,000+ ratings), 4.7/5 on Amazon (1,200+ ratings) - "Escargot": 4.3/5 on Goodreads (2,800+ ratings) - "The Book of Fatal Errors": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (200+ ratings) Most critical responses focus on pacing rather than content or writing quality.

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives (2017) Non-fiction account of a 2013 incident in Oakland where one teenager set another's skirt on fire on a public bus.

Escargot (2017) Picture book about a French snail who wants to be chosen as a child's favorite animal.

The Book of Fatal Errors (2020) Middle-grade fantasy novel about a boy who discovers magical creatures called Lights in his grandparents' junkyard.

A Book for Escargot (2020) Picture book sequel following the French snail as he explores a library.

Dangerously Ever After (2012) Picture book about Princess Amanita who prefers dangerous pets to traditional princess things.

The Sea Serpent and Me (2008) Picture book about a girl who finds a tiny sea serpent in her bathtub.

Baby Shoes (2006) Picture book about a toddler who receives red shoes as a gift but refuses to wear them.

Very Hairy Bear (2007) Picture book following a bear through the seasons and his relationship with his fur.

Katherine Applegate writes middle grade books that deal with serious social issues through accessible narratives. Like Slater, she addresses complex topics while maintaining hope and combining reality with elements of fantasy.

Sara Pennypacker creates character-driven stories focused on young people navigating difficult situations and family dynamics. Her work shares Slater's emphasis on emotional growth and social consciousness.

Jason Reynolds writes about youth confronting real-world challenges and systemic inequities. His narrative style mirrors Slater's approach to exploring social justice themes through individual stories.

Kelly Yang focuses on immigrant experiences and social issues in both middle grade and young adult books. Her work contains the same blend of serious topics and personal narratives found in Slater's writing.

Neal Shusterman crafts narratives that examine social systems and moral complexities through both realistic and speculative fiction. His books share Slater's interest in exploring justice, society, and human nature through compelling storylines.