BOOKS

Being an artist is like living in another world. You live to create, and you love the joy your art brings to others. These inspiring reads are all about teens who love to create, too, and their incredible journeys that will inspire you to be the best artist you can be.

Stories for dancers

Attitude by Robin Stevenson
Follow Cassie's journey from Australia to Canada as she struggles to fit in at a prestigious summer ballet program. You'll be motivated to stand up for yourself and others after reading about her struggle to make the program a safe place for all dancers.

Come a Stranger by Cynthia Voigt
When Mina is kicked out of an exclusive ballet school after becoming a victim of racisim, she runs to her minister for help. The novel takes a turn as she returns home to  Maryland and gains support from her loving community. 

Reads for fine artists

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler
Daughter of a mentally ill artist and art teacher, Aura believes creativity is equivalent to crazy. Struggling with her own identity, she shuns her artistic talent in fear of becoming like her mother. Watch her imagination take her through the trials of life and lead her to a profound discovery about art, love and family.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Twins Jude and Noah are extremely close, and have everything in common. After applying for the same art school, Jude and Noah receive surprising news that will change their relationship forever. Zipping back and forth between Jude and Noah's point of views, I'll Give You the Sun shows that there truly are two sides to every story.

Novels for fashion designers

Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos
Sixteen-year-old fashionista Marla and teen-pop sensation Ivy work in opposite ends of the same world. Ivy is using her fame and influence to promote Marla's beautiful creations when the girls find themselves questioning the industry that controls their lives, and whether or not they want to take part in this corporate world.

Summer Intern by Carrie Doyle Karasyov and Jill Kargman
Kira just landed her dream internship at Skirt, meaning she'll spend the summer in New York City learning all about independence and the world of fashion. Up against the magazine owner's daughter, Daphne Hughes, Kira quickly discovers that life is all about hard work and earning your share. Unlike Daphne, Kira strives to earn her way to the top, and she'll stop at nothing to prove herself. 

Tales for writers

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
Samantha McAllister is your average popular high school student. She's just like the rest of her friends in the junior class, except for one thing: she struggles with OCD and anxiety. It isn't until she meets Caroline and the rest of Poet's Corner that she begins to feel normal, and discovers the person she was always meant to be.

Simon Says by Elaine Marie Alphin
Young writer Charles Weston dreams of attending a private arts high school where he'll have the chance to meet a famous peer, author Graeme Brandt. A student like himself, Graeme's outward thinking inspires Charles to break out of his routine and stop living the way he thinks he should. 

Narratives for musicians

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Introverted Elise has a tough time making friends. She feels like an outsider and always finds herself the victim of someone else's joke, but her world changes when she meets Vicky, who introduces her to the music scene and nurtures a new love for DJing. 

The Kind of Friends We Used to Be by Frances O'Roark Dowell
As best friends Kate and Marylin enter seventh grade, they discover they're not as alike as they thought but after last year's rough patch, the girls vow to stay friends forever. Enter the minds of quiet, aspiring musician Kate and popular cheerleader Marylin as they find ways to help each other navigate middle school. 

Are you an artist? What book inspired you to channel your inner creativity? Let us know in the comments! 

Photo credit: Amazon

by Julia Bonney | 5/19/2018