Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"The Art of Us" by Julie Wright is a compelling YA novel that focuses on the complexities of trust and resilience against a backdrop of challenging social issues. High school senior Ireland Raine seems to have it all—intelligence, artistic talent, and a quiet charm. However, beneath the surface lies a deeply guarded secret: Ireland is homeless. I think this book would be very relatable for younger YA readers who may have experienced housing challenges of their own, though the solution to Ireland’s problem is a bit unrealistic.

The story begins with Ireland trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite her precarious living situation, which involves sleeping in a trail bathroom behind a church. Her world takes an unexpected turn when Kal Ellis, a guitarist and artist, invites her on a date. Their connection is immediate, and they begin collaborating on a school mural, which allows Ireland to momentarily escape her harsh reality.

Wright masterfully explores difficult topics such as homelessness, parental abandonment, and the trauma of SA (wasn’t described and occurred with a side character). These themes are handled with sensitivity, showing the impact of these issues on young lives while also highlighting the importance of community and support. Ireland’s journey is particularly touching as she navigates her feelings for Kal and the crushing betrayal she feels when her secret is exposed and she ends up in a foster home with her adversary, Mara Washington. I really liked Mara’s development throughout the book. I didn’t I would like her at all, but the book showed that the “mean girl” has depth in her character. Ireland, though, was a bit naïve throughout the book; I did really enjoy that she learned the importance of her own life and to appreciate herself more towards the end of the book. This revelation was quite heartwarming.

The relationship between Ireland and Kal is central to the story (though the friendship between the two of them developed a bit quickly). Their bond over art brings them closer, but it is tested when Ireland discovers that Kal was the one who revealed her secret. This revelation forces Ireland to confront her feelings of trust and betrayal, and she must decide whether to forgive Kal or move on without him. I felt like the reveal came a bit too late (more than halfway through the book), especially when this was mentioned in the summary of the book. Yet we were able to see how Ireland’s own growth that developed throughout the book helped her overcome this “betrayal.”

One of the strengths of the novel is the authenticity of its teenage characters. Unlike many YA novels that rely on quirky or atypical protagonists, Wright's characters feel real and relatable. Ireland and Kal's interactions, along with their individual struggles and growth, resonate with genuine teenage experiences. However, certain plot elements, such as Kal’s backstory involving his ex-girlfriend Brill, are not fully fleshed out. Brill’s tragic death and its impact on Kal could have been developed further to add depth to his character and his relationship with Ireland. I really wanted to see more of this plot point as it disappeared around halfway through the book, though I really like how you learn that this plot point altered Kal’s own character as he unconsciously took on more of a savior role due to this experience.

Overall, "The Art of Us" is a touching exploration of young love and resilience. It addresses significant social issues with care and authenticity, making it a compelling read for both teenagers and adults. Wright's storytelling is heartfelt and engaging, making it a valuable addition to any YA collection.