The Art of Us, by Julie Wright, Shadow Mountain, Nov. 5, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
A teen struggles to maintain a normal life while simultaneously keeping her homelessness a secret in The Art of Us, By Julie Wright.
On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.
When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.
However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.
Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain
Author Julie Wright is well known for her sweet romances. These adult fiction novels do have crossover appeal into the YA market, but usually feature characters who would be considered adult.
Luckily for teen readers, Wright is spending more time in the YA field, first with Swimming in a Sea of Stars and now with The Art of Us. Both contemporary books tackle hard and timely issues that fit perfectly into the YA realm.
The Art of Us follows Ireland and Kal as they navigate school and home life. The connection between the two is strong, and their sweet romance is interesting to watch unfold.
Art is the central theme in which The Art of Us plays out. It’s a strong backdrop the opens the door to a larger audience.
Wright’s tone is spot on — she really seems to understand who her audience is. The pacing is sound and the book is a fast read. My one complaint is that the ending feels a little too hurried, and little too “perfect.” That said, it’s a good read.
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