The Art of Breaking Things

Gr 10 Up–Sibson’s debut novel explores the cracks that form following the unspeakable betrayal of a family member. When Skye was 11, her mother’s boyfriend molested her, tearing a rift between Skye and her family and setting her down a path of drinking, drugs, and sex as self-harm. Now a senior in high school, Skye knows her future hinges on securing a scholarship to art school, but her life spirals further out of control as her mother’s boyfriend reenters their lives, forcing Skye to confront the damage he caused and the threat he still poses. Beautifully written and informative without being preachy, this book delves into a truly disturbing and common issue. Sibson has tapped into the teenage perspective and language in a way that feels natural and authentic, which is important when dealing with subject matter as heavy as this.