Introduction

In the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson and Sara Zarr, one girl embraces the power of her voice: rules are meant to be broken and she won't stay silent.

Weekends are for partying with friends while trying to survive the mindnumbingness that is high school. The countdown to graduation is on, and Skye has her sights set on escaping to art school and not looking back.

But her party-first-ask-questions-later lifestyle starts to crumble when her mom rekindles her romance with the man who betrayed Skye's boundaries when he was supposed to be protecting her. She was too young to understand what was happening at the time, but now she doesn't know whether to run as far away from him as possible or give up her dreams to save her little sister. The only problem is that no one knows what he did to her. How can she reveal the secret she's guarded for so long?

With the help of her best friend and the only boy she's ever trusted, Skye might just find the courage she needs to let her art speak for her when she's out of words. After years of hiding her past, she must become her own best ally.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

“You want to get out of here?” I ask.
“Yeah, okay.” She pulls out her phone. “Where do you want to go? Jeremy’s? Or maybe the quarry?”
“I want to go somewhere different. Will you be my wingwoman?”
“Always.” Luisa slides her phone into her pocket.
I’m wearing black leggings and I grab a black hoodie. My hair is already dark, so I don’t bother covering it.
“Are we robbing a bank?” Luisa asks.
“No,” I say, but not in a convincing way.
“I can’t get arrested.”
“I don’t think you will,” I say. “You can stay in the car.”
“Oh, shit. Then you better lend me some dark clothes.”
I gather all my Post-its and some markers and heavy-duty tape because the Post-its might not stick. I shove everything into a backpack and sling it across my back. Then I place a step stool outside the back door. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Through much of the story, Skye makes decisions that can be difficult to support. In what ways did you find yourself rooting for her or feeling frustrated by her actions? How did you see other characters supporting or thwarting Skye’s goals?

2. Art is an important part of Skye's life and an important part of the book. How does art shape the way Skye sees the world, and how does it ultimately help her move toward healing? How did the glimpses into Skye's artwork and artistic mindset help you connect with her as a character?

3. The relationship between Skye and Emma is one of the most important relationships in the book. Which aspects of their bond struck you as especially relatable or poignant, and how did the dynamics between them change as the story went on? Which of the other relationships in the book were most compelling, and why?

4. During much of the book, Skye is keeping a secret. What was your experience of watching her keep that secret? For example, did you wonder why she didn’t share it earlier? Or were there moments when you hoped that she’d be able to open up?

5. The flashbacks in the novel show us key moments in Skye’s childhood. What effect did those flashbacks have on your experience of the novel? Which flashbacks did you find most powerful or illuminating?

6. The Art of Breaking Things was written before the #metoo movement, but its themes and plot reflect the issues faced by girls and women who have experienced sexual assault. In what ways did the book alter or challenge your assumptions and perspective?

Weblinks

»	Author's website
»	Review from the Observer
»	Personal essay from the author

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