The Art of Us - by Julie Wright (Hardcover)

About the Book

High school seniors Ireland and Kal fall in love while collaborating on a school mural, but their happiness is jeopardized when Kal reveals Ireland's deepest secret.

Book Synopsis

Falling in love is complicated when you're both keeping secrets.

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.

Review Quotes

Selected as a "top pick" and "recommended title" by the Kansas National Education Association's Reading Circle Commission-- "Kansas National Education Association" (2/28/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Selected for the 2025-2026 Tome Society Book Award-- "Tome Student Literacy Society" (2/10/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"A realistic, poignant take on tough topics, Wright compassionately confronts the subjects of abandonment, sexual assault, bullying, grief, and teen romance. Share with teen readers who appreciate straightforward prose and high drama stories from the perspective of independent teens."-- "Booklist" (9/20/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"The story doesn't rush readers along; it takes its time, thoughtfully allowing events to unravel and revealing secrets. . . . A sweet love story and a thoughtful exploration of timely social issues."-- "Kirkus" (9/20/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Wright . . . fluidly handles sensitive subject matter surrounding death, parental neglect, and housing insecurity. Through the characters' dynamic interactions, Wright injects the narrative with humor and familiar teen antics that prevent the challenges addressed from seeming bleak or hopeless."-- "Publishers Weekly" (9/20/2024 12:00:00 AM)

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection-- "Junior Library Guild" (9/6/2024 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Julie Wright has written twenty-six novels and ten novellas. Her books have received several starred reviews and have been listed in the American Library Association's top ten romances of the year.

She's a sucker for almost all things nerdy: Doctor Who, Disneyland, the Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, fairy tales, and Jane Austen. She believes in second chances, getting up and trying again, and the power of generosity and compassion.

She is surrounded by a loving and supportive family, one dog, and a varying number of houseplants (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, snorkeling, playing with her family on the beach, and watching her husband make dinner.