{"id":536562881,"title":"Tagged","handle":"tagged","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/diane-c-mullen\" title=\"Diane C. Mullen\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDiane C. Mullen\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEvery act of creation is first an act of destruction.\" \u003cbr\u003e- \u003cem\u003ePablo Picasso\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam is a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in public housing in Minneapolis. He lives with his mother and three younger siblings-their abusive father out of the picture. When Liam's estranged older brother convinces him to tag a rival gang's wall, Liam finds himself in serious danger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam uses graffiti to leave his mark on concrete benches, metal Dumpsters, bullet-proof bus-stop shelters, and anywhere else he can affirm his identity using the tag \"St. B.\" But Liam's artistry goes beyond the graffiti. He keeps a blackbook where he sketches the people around him, the city buses, light-rail trains, and the colors of his hood. In school Liam shows little interest in his studies, and although lessons on Pablo Picasso pique his interest, he feigns indifference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn invitation from his mom's artist friend Kat-the woman who gave Liam his cherished blackbook-sends Liam to spend his summer on the shores of Lake Michigan. Liam is struck by the serenity and beauty of Lakeshore and though he's quickly captivated by Kat's artistic world and the work of artists like Basquiat and Picasso, he tries to maintain his tough and indifferent front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam eventually has to choose between staying in Lakeshore or returning to a family who needs his help-a choice that will determine whether he can change himself for the better, or continue down a dangerous path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/kyles-island\" title=\"Kyle's Island\"\u003eKyle's Island\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/tiger-boy\" title=\"Tiger Boy\"\u003eTiger Boy\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/devin-rhodes-is-dead\" title=\"Devin Rhodes is Dead\"\u003eDevin Rhodes is Dead\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-importance-of-wings\" title=\"The Importance of Wings\"\u003eThe Importance of Wings\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-cvr.jpg?9982727926474029176\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-hires.zip?6766797642387626756\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-discussion-guide.pdf?1860809700322121387\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-excerpt.pdf?13142976238311169848\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload an Excerpt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiane C. Mullen, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiane C. Mullen's debut novel is infused with an appreciation for the myriad people and colorful urban art in her Uptown Minneapolis neighborhood. Formerly a filmmaker, Diane now works at the Walker Art Center, in the heart of the city. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Diane's not spending time with her children, Kyle and Maggie, she can be found admiring and researching street art, biking around Minneapolis, or tending her plot in the Soo Line Community Garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Diane C. Mullen\" href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/diane-c-mullen\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Diane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 14-year-old graffiti artist spends a summer away from his inner-city home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFearful that Liam will follow his older brother into gang-influenced crime, his mother sends him from Minneapolis to a small resort town in Michigan to spend the summer with her artist friend, Kat. Liam's had a rough year, having been kicked out of the private school where he'd won a scholarship and threatened with a gun for painting graffiti over a gang sign. At first Liam dislikes Lakeshore; he even vandalizes the town beach house in a cross between artistic expression and boredom. Gradually, with Kat's help, he begins to see himself as a serious artist. Kat invites him to stay, but he knows that at home, his younger brother is befriending gang members. Mullen's smooth debut, written primarily in dialogue with very short chapters, often feels like a verse novel without the limitations of that form. His first-person narration is characterized by clipped, often incomplete sentences that capture his restlessness. Liam's reluctance to take chances feels authentic, given his past, and the exploration of graffiti as serious art, with links to Picasso and Basquiat, intrigues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solid, interesting novel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam O’Malley wants to be a graffiti artist. He has been tagging his downtown Minneapolis neighborhood, but when he is caught by a rival gang, his life is threatened. Worried that Liam is following a destructive and dangerous path, his mother sends him to Lake Michigan for the summer to live with an artist friend. There Liam immerses himself in art and learns about Picasso and Basquiat, and he explores his own philosophy of art. Liam’s tender, inspiring tale of the healing power of art depicts the teen attempting to discover who he is, find his place, and question his faith. Ultimately, his summer on Lake Michigan teaches him how to alter his path, help others through his art, and make a statement. Mullen doesn’t take the easy way out—Liam’s predicament regarding his art versus his responsibility to his family is handled in a realistic way. A strong debut about the power of art to bring reconciliation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this sensitive portrayal of a budding artist from newcomer Mullen, 14-year-old Liam O'Malley is consumed by the idea of becoming a graffiti writer. After Liam gets embroiled in a rivalry between local gangs and his grades slip, his mother sends him away from their home in the projects of Minneapolis to spend the summer with her friend Kat in tiny Lakeshore, Mich. Kat, a sculptor, provides a calm and supportive temporary home for Liam, who becomes inspired by the tranquil landscape, researches a variety of artists including Basquiat and Picasso, and begins to let go of his resentment surrounding his upbringing. Soon Liam has to decide between returning home to serve as a role model for his siblings or pursuing his dreams independently. Short chapters and clipped phrases give Liam's narrative the punchy impact of graffiti: \"No sirens in two weeks. No black-and-whites driving around, either. No cops standing in stores. None walking the streets. Nothing,” Liam reflects on his new environment. A powerful story about the positive effects of change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnne Ursu, author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreadcrumbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e and \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Real Boy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gutsy, sharp, and beautiful story of finding agency through art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-583-5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eE-book EPUB\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-569-5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 12+\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 288\u003cbr\u003e5 1⁄2 x 8 1⁄4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grades7. Standards 1-4, 10.\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 8. Standards 1-4, 6, 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2015-04-30T15:50:00-04:00","created_at":"2015-04-30T15:13:46-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Middle Grade","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Novel","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Art\/Music\/Theater","Browse by Subject_Diversity"],"price":848,"price_min":848,"price_max":848,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":1695,"compare_at_price_min":1695,"compare_at_price_max":1695,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":1447454017,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"95835","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Tagged - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":848,"weight":422,"compare_at_price":1695,"inventory_quantity":75,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":"978-1-58089-583-5","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/tagged-cover.jpg?v=1574277168"],"featured_image":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/tagged-cover.jpg?v=1574277168","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Tagged book cover image","id":5803302944847,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.676,"height":887,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/tagged-cover.jpg?v=1574277168"},"aspect_ratio":0.676,"height":887,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/tagged-cover.jpg?v=1574277168","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/diane-c-mullen\" title=\"Diane C. Mullen\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDiane C. Mullen\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEvery act of creation is first an act of destruction.\" \u003cbr\u003e- \u003cem\u003ePablo Picasso\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam is a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in public housing in Minneapolis. He lives with his mother and three younger siblings-their abusive father out of the picture. When Liam's estranged older brother convinces him to tag a rival gang's wall, Liam finds himself in serious danger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam uses graffiti to leave his mark on concrete benches, metal Dumpsters, bullet-proof bus-stop shelters, and anywhere else he can affirm his identity using the tag \"St. B.\" But Liam's artistry goes beyond the graffiti. He keeps a blackbook where he sketches the people around him, the city buses, light-rail trains, and the colors of his hood. In school Liam shows little interest in his studies, and although lessons on Pablo Picasso pique his interest, he feigns indifference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn invitation from his mom's artist friend Kat-the woman who gave Liam his cherished blackbook-sends Liam to spend his summer on the shores of Lake Michigan. Liam is struck by the serenity and beauty of Lakeshore and though he's quickly captivated by Kat's artistic world and the work of artists like Basquiat and Picasso, he tries to maintain his tough and indifferent front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam eventually has to choose between staying in Lakeshore or returning to a family who needs his help-a choice that will determine whether he can change himself for the better, or continue down a dangerous path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/kyles-island\" title=\"Kyle's Island\"\u003eKyle's Island\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/tiger-boy\" title=\"Tiger Boy\"\u003eTiger Boy\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/devin-rhodes-is-dead\" title=\"Devin Rhodes is Dead\"\u003eDevin Rhodes is Dead\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-importance-of-wings\" title=\"The Importance of Wings\"\u003eThe Importance of Wings\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-cvr.jpg?9982727926474029176\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-hires.zip?6766797642387626756\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-discussion-guide.pdf?1860809700322121387\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/tagged-excerpt.pdf?13142976238311169848\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload an Excerpt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiane C. Mullen, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiane C. Mullen's debut novel is infused with an appreciation for the myriad people and colorful urban art in her Uptown Minneapolis neighborhood. Formerly a filmmaker, Diane now works at the Walker Art Center, in the heart of the city. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Diane's not spending time with her children, Kyle and Maggie, she can be found admiring and researching street art, biking around Minneapolis, or tending her plot in the Soo Line Community Garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Diane C. Mullen\" href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/diane-c-mullen\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Diane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 14-year-old graffiti artist spends a summer away from his inner-city home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFearful that Liam will follow his older brother into gang-influenced crime, his mother sends him from Minneapolis to a small resort town in Michigan to spend the summer with her artist friend, Kat. Liam's had a rough year, having been kicked out of the private school where he'd won a scholarship and threatened with a gun for painting graffiti over a gang sign. At first Liam dislikes Lakeshore; he even vandalizes the town beach house in a cross between artistic expression and boredom. Gradually, with Kat's help, he begins to see himself as a serious artist. Kat invites him to stay, but he knows that at home, his younger brother is befriending gang members. Mullen's smooth debut, written primarily in dialogue with very short chapters, often feels like a verse novel without the limitations of that form. His first-person narration is characterized by clipped, often incomplete sentences that capture his restlessness. Liam's reluctance to take chances feels authentic, given his past, and the exploration of graffiti as serious art, with links to Picasso and Basquiat, intrigues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solid, interesting novel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiam O’Malley wants to be a graffiti artist. He has been tagging his downtown Minneapolis neighborhood, but when he is caught by a rival gang, his life is threatened. Worried that Liam is following a destructive and dangerous path, his mother sends him to Lake Michigan for the summer to live with an artist friend. There Liam immerses himself in art and learns about Picasso and Basquiat, and he explores his own philosophy of art. Liam’s tender, inspiring tale of the healing power of art depicts the teen attempting to discover who he is, find his place, and question his faith. Ultimately, his summer on Lake Michigan teaches him how to alter his path, help others through his art, and make a statement. Mullen doesn’t take the easy way out—Liam’s predicament regarding his art versus his responsibility to his family is handled in a realistic way. A strong debut about the power of art to bring reconciliation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this sensitive portrayal of a budding artist from newcomer Mullen, 14-year-old Liam O'Malley is consumed by the idea of becoming a graffiti writer. After Liam gets embroiled in a rivalry between local gangs and his grades slip, his mother sends him away from their home in the projects of Minneapolis to spend the summer with her friend Kat in tiny Lakeshore, Mich. Kat, a sculptor, provides a calm and supportive temporary home for Liam, who becomes inspired by the tranquil landscape, researches a variety of artists including Basquiat and Picasso, and begins to let go of his resentment surrounding his upbringing. Soon Liam has to decide between returning home to serve as a role model for his siblings or pursuing his dreams independently. Short chapters and clipped phrases give Liam's narrative the punchy impact of graffiti: \"No sirens in two weeks. No black-and-whites driving around, either. No cops standing in stores. None walking the streets. Nothing,” Liam reflects on his new environment. A powerful story about the positive effects of change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnne Ursu, author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreadcrumbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e and \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Real Boy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gutsy, sharp, and beautiful story of finding agency through art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-583-5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eE-book EPUB\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-569-5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 12+\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 288\u003cbr\u003e5 1⁄2 x 8 1⁄4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grades7. Standards 1-4, 10.\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 8. Standards 1-4, 6, 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

Tagged

By: Diane C. Mullen

Every act of creation is first an act of destruction."
- Pablo Picasso

Liam is a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in public housing in Minneapolis. He lives with his mother and three younger siblings-their abusive father out of the picture. When Liam's estranged older brother convinces him to tag a rival gang's wall, Liam finds himself in serious danger.

Liam uses graffiti to leave his mark on concrete benches, metal Dumpsters, bullet-proof bus-stop shelters, and anywhere else he can affirm his identity using the tag "St. B." But Liam's artistry goes beyond the graffiti. He keeps a blackbook where he sketches the people around him, the city buses, light-rail trains, and the colors of his hood. In school Liam shows little interest in his studies, and although lessons on Pablo Picasso pique his interest, he feigns indifference.

An invitation from his mom's artist friend Kat-the woman who gave Liam his cherished blackbook-sends Liam to spend his summer on the shores of Lake Michigan. Liam is struck by the serenity and beauty of Lakeshore and though he's quickly captivated by Kat's artistic world and the work of artists like Basquiat and Picasso, he tries to maintain his tough and indifferent front.

Liam eventually has to choose between staying in Lakeshore or returning to a family who needs his help-a choice that will determine whether he can change himself for the better, or continue down a dangerous path.

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Diane C. Mullen, author

Diane C. Mullen's debut novel is infused with an appreciation for the myriad people and colorful urban art in her Uptown Minneapolis neighborhood. Formerly a filmmaker, Diane now works at the Walker Art Center, in the heart of the city. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University.

When Diane's not spending time with her children, Kyle and Maggie, she can be found admiring and researching street art, biking around Minneapolis, or tending her plot in the Soo Line Community Garden.

Read more about Diane.

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Kirkus Reviews

A 14-year-old graffiti artist spends a summer away from his inner-city home.

Fearful that Liam will follow his older brother into gang-influenced crime, his mother sends him from Minneapolis to a small resort town in Michigan to spend the summer with her artist friend, Kat. Liam's had a rough year, having been kicked out of the private school where he'd won a scholarship and threatened with a gun for painting graffiti over a gang sign. At first Liam dislikes Lakeshore; he even vandalizes the town beach house in a cross between artistic expression and boredom. Gradually, with Kat's help, he begins to see himself as a serious artist. Kat invites him to stay, but he knows that at home, his younger brother is befriending gang members. Mullen's smooth debut, written primarily in dialogue with very short chapters, often feels like a verse novel without the limitations of that form. His first-person narration is characterized by clipped, often incomplete sentences that capture his restlessness. Liam's reluctance to take chances feels authentic, given his past, and the exploration of graffiti as serious art, with links to Picasso and Basquiat, intrigues.

A solid, interesting novel.

Booklist

Liam O’Malley wants to be a graffiti artist. He has been tagging his downtown Minneapolis neighborhood, but when he is caught by a rival gang, his life is threatened. Worried that Liam is following a destructive and dangerous path, his mother sends him to Lake Michigan for the summer to live with an artist friend. There Liam immerses himself in art and learns about Picasso and Basquiat, and he explores his own philosophy of art. Liam’s tender, inspiring tale of the healing power of art depicts the teen attempting to discover who he is, find his place, and question his faith. Ultimately, his summer on Lake Michigan teaches him how to alter his path, help others through his art, and make a statement. Mullen doesn’t take the easy way out—Liam’s predicament regarding his art versus his responsibility to his family is handled in a realistic way. A strong debut about the power of art to bring reconciliation.

Publishers Weekly

In this sensitive portrayal of a budding artist from newcomer Mullen, 14-year-old Liam O'Malley is consumed by the idea of becoming a graffiti writer. After Liam gets embroiled in a rivalry between local gangs and his grades slip, his mother sends him away from their home in the projects of Minneapolis to spend the summer with her friend Kat in tiny Lakeshore, Mich. Kat, a sculptor, provides a calm and supportive temporary home for Liam, who becomes inspired by the tranquil landscape, researches a variety of artists including Basquiat and Picasso, and begins to let go of his resentment surrounding his upbringing. Soon Liam has to decide between returning home to serve as a role model for his siblings or pursuing his dreams independently. Short chapters and clipped phrases give Liam's narrative the punchy impact of graffiti: "No sirens in two weeks. No black-and-whites driving around, either. No cops standing in stores. None walking the streets. Nothing,” Liam reflects on his new environment. A powerful story about the positive effects of change.

Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Real Boy

A gutsy, sharp, and beautiful story of finding agency through art.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-583-5

E-book EPUB
ISBN: 978-1-60734-569-5

Ages: 12+
Page count: 288
5 1⁄2 x 8 1⁄4

Correlated to Common Core State Standards:
English Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grades7. Standards 1-4, 10.
English Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 8. Standards 1-4, 6, 10.