A Work of Art

Gr 10 Up—Tera is a strong, passionate, and talented teenager. She is about to graduate high school and as an exceptional artist, has been accepted to an art school in Paris. She has been under the instruction and scrutiny of her father, who himself is a popular artist. The teen's whole life revolves around her father, so when he is arrested only weeks before she is to leave, her world is turned upside down. Tera decides to give up everything to come to his aid. As events transpire, Tera's relationship with her dad is forever changed, and all that she grew up knowing is shattered. The protagonist is repeatedly challenged by dark and disturbing situations, such as drugs and child pornography. While painting a work of art, Tera is able to reconcile what has gone terribly wrong. Readers may not find this entirely believable, especially since those who live through such troubling events often need to undergo some form of professional therapy in order to cope with the trauma. Furthermore, teens may not find it easy to sympathize with the main character because of the way that she handles the situations that arise.