Picture an American storyteller who turned a chance bus ride into a gripping tale of humanity—meet Dashka Slater! This award-winning author and journalist weaves narratives that blend heart, humor, and hard truths. From her New York Times-bestselling true crime novel The 57 Bus to her whimsical children’s books, Slater’s work tackles identity, justice, and connection with a light yet profound touch.
Born into a literary family, Slater’s knack for storytelling feels almost predestined. Yet, it’s her ability to bridge journalism and fiction, young adult and picture books, that makes her a literary chameleon. Let’s dive into her journey, from her roots to her unforgettable stories.
The Making of Dashka Slater
Born on November 21, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts, Dashka Slater grew up in a creative household where both parents, Philip Slater and Dori Appel, were writers. Raised in Cambridge, she was surrounded by words, crafting stories as soon as she could read. A year spent in Europe and the Caribbean at age four, isolated from other children, sparked her imagination—she learned to read early, thanks to her mother, and never stopped creating. After earning a B.S. with high honors from UC Berkeley in 1986, Slater dove into journalism, covering everything from criminal justice to environmental issues for outlets like The New York Times Magazine and Mother Jones.
Her early career blended gritty reporting with poetic prose, earning her accolades and a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. This fusion of fact and feeling laid the groundwork for her diverse bibliography, from adult fiction to children’s tales.
Dashka Slater’s Unforgettable Stories
Slater’s breakthrough came with The 57 Bus (2017), a young adult nonfiction narrative that explores a 2013 hate crime in Oakland, California, where an agender teen was set on fire by another teen. Originally a New York Times Magazine article, the book delves into race, class, gender, and restorative justice, earning the Stonewall Book Award and a spot on Time’s 100 Best Young Adult Books list. Its empathetic storytelling makes complex issues accessible, resonating with teens and adults alike.
In 2023, Accountable tackled another real-world issue: a racist social media account that upended a high school community. This nonfiction work won the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and a YALSA Gold Medal, praised for its nuanced take on accountability and redemption. For younger readers, Slater’s Escargot series, starting with the Wanda Gág Read-Aloud Award-winning Escargot (2017), charms with a sassy French snail who loves books and salad. Her middle-grade fantasy series, The Feylawn Chronicles, like The Book of Fatal Errors (2020), blends magic and mischief, showcasing her playful side.
Slater’s style is a dance of clarity and compassion. Whether unpacking social issues or crafting whimsical tales, she balances depth with approachability, inviting readers to think and feel. Her journalism roots shine through in her meticulous research, while her fiction flair adds warmth and wit.
Why Dashka Slater Matters
Dashka Slater’s impact lies in her ability to humanize complex issues. The 57 Bus and Accountable don’t just tell stories—they spark conversations about identity, justice, and empathy, especially among young readers. Her work challenges binary thinking, encouraging nuanced perspectives in a polarized world. As a teacher at Hamline University’s MFA program, she inspires new writers to blend craft with courage.
Her children’s books, meanwhile, bring joy and wonder, proving that stories can be both fun and meaningful. Slater’s versatility—spanning genres and age groups—makes her a vital voice in contemporary literature, bridging divides with every page.
About Dashka Slater
- Born: November 21, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: The 57 Bus, Accountable, Escargot, The Book of Fatal Errors
- Awards: Stonewall Book Award, J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, Wanda Gág Read-Aloud Award
- Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, swimming, theater
Ready to explore Dashka Slater’s world? Grab The 57 Bus for a thought-provoking read or Escargot for a delightful escape. Dive into her stories and discover why this literary triple threat keeps readers hooked!