A parent might reach for this book when their teen is processing a past trauma, feels silenced, or is grappling with a deep sense of injustice. The Art of Breaking Things follows Skye, a talented artist who creates mosaics from shattered glass. Her fragile peace is destroyed when her mother remarries and her new stepbrother turns out to be the person who assaulted her best friend years ago. The story powerfully explores themes of resilience, justice, and finding the courage to speak your truth, even when it’s terrifying. Appropriate for older teens (15+), this book is a vital tool for discussing consent, the complexities of trauma, and the power of art as a means of healing. It models the importance of believing survivors and finding solidarity.
Some profanity used, consistent with the characters' ages and situations.
Romantic ContentMild
A romantic subplot is present but is secondary to the main story of trauma and healing.
Sensitive Topics
The central topic is sexual assault and its aftermath, including PTSD and anxiety. The approach is direct and emotionally raw, focusing on the survivor's perspective. It is a secular narrative centered on personal healing, community support, and systemic failings. The resolution is hopeful but realistic, emphasizing that healing is a long process and that justice can take many forms.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 15 or older, who appreciates intense, realistic fiction. It is particularly resonant for a reader who is processing feelings of injustice, feels silenced, or has been impacted by rape culture. It will also connect with teens who use art as a personal outlet and are drawn to stories of resilient, imperfect female protagonists.
Parent Prep
Parents should absolutely read this book first or alongside their teen. The descriptions of emotional trauma and references to sexual assault are direct and may be triggering. Be prepared to discuss consent, victim-blaming, trauma responses, and the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure. The confrontation scenes are particularly intense. The parent's teen expresses anger or frustration about a situation at school where someone wasn't believed. They may be consuming a lot of media related to the #MeToo movement or show a new passion for social justice. Or, a parent might be looking for a book to open a conversation about consent and believing survivors.
Age Experience
A younger reader (14-15) may focus on the family conflict, the clear injustice, and Skye's bravery. An older teen (16-18) will likely connect more deeply with the nuances of trauma, the critique of social systems that protect perpetrators, and the power of collective female action and solidarity.
What Makes It Special
The integration of art as a mechanism for healing is its most unique feature. Skye's process of breaking glass and welding it into something new is a powerful, tangible metaphor for her psychological journey of breaking down and rebuilding herself. It provides a visceral, creative lens on trauma recovery that is distinct from many other books on the topic.
Read plot summary
Skye is a high school senior who channels her anxiety and past trauma into her art, creating mosaics by welding broken glass. Her life is upended when her mother remarries, and her charismatic new stepbrother, Ben, moves in. Skye recognizes Ben as the boy who sexually assaulted her friend years prior. Forced to live with him, Skye must confront her own suppressed trauma and decide whether to risk her new family's stability by speaking out to protect others and seek justice.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Skye uses her art, breaking glass and welding it into something new, to process her feelings. How does her art reflect her emotional journey throughout the book? Do you have a creative outlet that helps you deal with difficult emotions?
2
At the beginning of the story, Skye is hesitant to tell her mother about Ben. Why do you think she keeps it a secret for so long? What factors finally push her to speak up?
3
The book explores how a 'perfect' reputation can hide a dark secret, especially with a character like Ben. How do people like Ben use their social standing to silence others? Discuss the scene where other girls begin to share their own stories and the power of that solidarity.
4
Skye's relationship with her mother is complicated. How does their relationship change from the beginning of the book to the end? What does her mother learn about listening and belief?
