Georgia’s father was a famous artist, and she had to share so much of him with the world. Since he died, she’s been unsure of so many things in her life—if she even wants to pursue art, who she is, and where she belongs in the world. When she discovers what she believes is a sketch outlining the last painting in a series her father never finished, she wants to keep this one thing for herself. The sketch shows that the painting was to be of her, after all. When her best friend, Theo, submits the sketch to an art contest thinking it was one Georgia had drawn, she’s forced to tell her mom everything—how she’s had the sketch all along, how Theo lied on the submission form, and all of the things she’s been struggling with since her dad’s death. Though Georgia is terrified of coming clean, it turns out to be something really good. In sharing this bit of her father’s voice with the rest of the world, she’s able to find her own artistic voice again in a way that connects her to both her past with her father and her future without him.

This is a wonderfully written story about grief, friendship, family, and of course, art. Many readers will find Georgia’s turbulent and confusing relationship with Theo relatable as they begin to navigate middle school and changing emotions and priorities. The seamless weaving of art and color throughout the text connects the literary and art worlds beautifully and brings a new depth to the story. Hand this one to fans of Rebecca Stead and Kate Messner. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME