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Why We Broke Up

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description Why We Broke Up Overview

Why We Broke Up is a young adult epistolary novel written by Daniel Handler and illustrated by Maira Kalman. It takes the form of a long breakup letter from Min Green to Ed Slaterton, accompanied by images of objects associated with their relationship, including photographs, notes, and keepsakes. The structure lets Min reconstruct the romance while explaining the significance of each artifact and the reasons she ended the relationship.

help Why We Broke Up FAQ

Why does Min Green write to Ed Slaterton in Why We Broke Up?

After their relationship ends, Min writes Ed a long breakup letter that explains the history behind each souvenir in the box she returns. Min is short for Minerva, and Ed is the high school basketball player at the center of the story. [American Library Association](https://www.ala.org/yalsa/printz/previous/2012)

What objects are included in Min's box?

The memorabilia includes photographs, handwritten notes, movie tickets, and other small objects tied to the relationship. The American Library Association describes each item as part of Min's explanation of how the romance came apart. [Publishers Weekly](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780316127257)

How do Maira Kalman's illustrations fit the novel?

Kalman illustrates the objects between sections as still-life images, so the physical evidence of the relationship becomes part of the storytelling. That design matches the book's unusual structure as a letter accompanied by memorabilia. [Daniel Handler's official site](https://www.danielhandler.com/books)

Did Why We Broke Up win a major young adult award?

Yes. It was named a 2012 Michael L. Printz Honor Book, alongside titles such as The Scorpio Races and Jasper Jones. [YALSA Printz Award](https://www.ala.org/yalsa/printz/previous/2012)

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