A parent might reach for this book when their high-achieving teen seems to be losing their creative spark or sense of self under the weight of academic pressure. This story is for the student who worries more about their college application than their own happiness. It follows Sabine, a talented artist at a prestigious high school whose single-minded focus on a scholarship is disrupted by a new rival and a series of anonymous art pranks protesting the school's new corporate direction. The book powerfully explores themes of self-doubt, artistic integrity, and the courage it takes to forge your own path instead of the one prescribed for you. It's a compelling read for teens 13 and up who are navigating competitive environments and learning to define success on their own terms.
A romantic subplot includes some kissing and romantic tension.
Substance ReferencesMild
Brief mentions of underage drinking at a party.
LanguageMild
Infrequent use of mild swear words typical for the age group.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses intense academic pressure, cheating, and the ethics of protest and rule-breaking. The approach is secular and focuses on personal integrity and finding one's moral compass. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, prioritizing the protagonist's personal growth and newfound sense of self over a simple win-or-lose outcome. It also subtly explores socioeconomic disparity in educational opportunities.
Ideal Reader
A high-achieving teen (14-17) who feels immense pressure to succeed, particularly in a creative or competitive field. They might be struggling with imposter syndrome, burnout, or the feeling that they have to sacrifice their passion for a practical, parent-approved future. It will resonate with any teen who is questioning the path they are on.
Parent Prep
No specific pages require previewing. The core themes of cheating and rebellion are central, so a parent could prepare to discuss the ethics of breaking rules for a greater good. The book can be read cold and is a great conversation starter about defining personal success. A parent notices their teen giving up a beloved creative hobby because it "won't look good on college apps." Or they overhear their child saying, "It doesn't matter if I like it, it just has to be what they want to see."
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be drawn to the school setting, the central mystery, and the romantic subplot. An older teen (15-17) will connect more deeply with the sophisticated themes of artistic integrity, institutional critique, the fear of "selling out," and the complicated transition to life after high school.
What Makes It Special
While many YA novels tackle school pressure, this book's focus on an arts high school provides a unique and compelling lens. The conflict is not just about grades, but about the very soul of creative expression: Is art a product for a client or a personal statement? The use of artistic protest ("hacks") is a highly creative and modern form of rebellion that sets it apart.
Read plot summary
Sabine is a driven, scholarship-focused student at the competitive California School of the Arts (CALI). Her carefully laid plans for the future are threatened by the arrival of a brilliant new student and a series of anonymous, rebellious art installations, or "hacks," that protest the school's shift towards a more corporate, STEM-focused curriculum. As Sabine gets drawn into the mystery and the rebellion, she is forced to question her goals, her artistic voice, and what she is willing to risk for her beliefs and her community.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sabine initially sees the art 'hacks' as a threat to her scholarship. When and why does her perspective start to change? Do you think the hackers' methods were justified?
2
Discuss the pressure Sabine feels from her mother versus the expectations of her teachers at CALI. How do these different pressures shape her decisions about her art and her future?
3
Adam challenges Sabine's idea of what 'successful' art is. How does his perspective on creating for oneself differ from her goal of creating for a scholarship committee? Can these two views coexist?
4
The book's title is 'What I Want You to See.' What does Sabine want people to see in her art at the beginning of the book, and how does that change by the end?
5
CALI's administration is pushing for more 'practical,' corporate-funded art. Do you think schools have a responsibility to prepare students for the job market, or to foster pure creativity? Where is the right balance?
