Drawing Lessons

Rory, a young artist, idolizes her father, who is a professional artist. But when she walks in on her father kissing the woman who is modeling for him, her world is rocked. She refused to talk to him afterward, and soon he leaves the family. Neither Rory nor her mother are getting along all right, and Rory won't even talk to her best friend about it, or the school art teacher who so admires her work.
Divorce and its affect on children is a topic that is relevant to so many, and yet doesn't seem to be a frequent subject of middle grade novels. I applaud Mack for tackling it. I would have liked more three-dimensional portrayals of both of Rory's parents; the reader doesn't get to know either of them very well. Rory is painfully show more self-absorbed. To a degree, I think most middle school age kids are self-absorbed and self-focused, but Rory never seems to give a thought to what either of her parents are actually going through, or her best friend, and she never really does. The conclusion of the book does not involve her growing particularly in that respect. show less

A touching story about a girl trying to figure out her relationships with her family, her best friend, and herself. It is simply-told with a feel-good ending. Mack's art background brings a unique touch to the narration as seen through the eyes of a young artist who thinks in colors. Because of this, some beautiful images unfold. Mack is very talented in creating simple, but attractive imagery. Overall, a nice read, especially for a young audience.

Twelve-year-old Rory begins to lose the passion for making art that she shares with her father after she finds him kissing his female model and fears for the safety of her parents' marriage.
Lexile: 650