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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (2012) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When asked to talk to students at Broome Community College in upstate New York in the spring of 2011, Austin Kleon wrote a simple list often things he wished he'd heard when he was their age: 'Steal like an artist; Don't wait until you know who you are to start making things; Write the book you want to read; Use your hands; Side projects are important; Do good work and put it where people can see it; Geography is no longer our master; Be nice (the world is a small town.); Be boring (it's the only way to get work done.); and… Sign up for the full guide

Upper MG • 2012 • 160 pages • Grade 5-8

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Steal Like an Artist is a motivational, gift-style guide that provides practical advice for creative thinking and professional development. It earns its 10+ rating primarily due to a handful of mild profanities and the intellectual nature of the creative concepts discussed. The content is generally wholesome, focusing on hard work, curiosity, and ethical creative practices, making it suitable for motivated middle-grade readers and… Sign up for the full guide

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Is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative appropriate for kids?

Steal Like an Artist is a motivational, gift-style guide that provides practical advice for creative thinking and professional development. It earns its 10+ rating primarily due to a handful of mild profanities and the intellectual nature of the creative concepts discussed. The… Read more — free account

Content severity in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Mild 2/10

What happens in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, moment by moment

  1. p. 5 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  2. p. 11 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  3. p. 21 💬 Language 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

The book contains no depictions of sexual content, nudity, or romantic relationships. The narrative focus remains strictly on the professional and personal development of a creative individual. Austin Kleon uses diagrams and typography to explain intellectual concepts rather than interpersonal drama. There are no flirtatious interactions or suggestive themes mentioned throughout the ten chapters. As a non-fiction guide for creators, it maintains a clean and professional tone suitable for all ages.

Violence and gore in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

There are no depictions of physical violence, threats, or aggressive behavior in this book. The text focuses on the internal struggle of the creative process rather than external conflict. Some metaphorical language might be used to describe 'killing' your darlings or 'attacking' a project, but no literal harm occurs. The illustrations are simple line drawings and hand-lettered quotes that do not contain violent imagery. It is a peaceful, motivational read devoid of any action-oriented danger.

Language in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

The language is generally mild and conversational, though it contains a few instances of profanity used for emphasis. Words like 'sh*t,' 'hell,' and 'heck' appear in quotes or to describe the frustration of producing low-quality work. The author uses these terms in a relatable, 'everyman' tone rather than in an aggressive or derogatory manner. Younger readers may notice these occasional slips into adult vernacular, but they are infrequent. Most of the text is academic or professional in its vocabulary.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

This book does not feature any scenes of drug use, alcohol consumption, or smoking. The author actually advocates for a healthy, 'boring' lifestyle to sustain long-term creativity. There are no mentions of utilizing substances to find inspiration or any glorification of the 'tortured artist' archetype. The guide promotes getting enough sleep and eating well as superior alternatives to unhealthy habits. It emphasizes maintaining a clear head to manage a day job and personal projects effectively.

Mature themes in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

The book explores mature but positive themes such as intellectual property, mentorship, and the necessity of financial stability. It tackles 'imposter syndrome,' where a person feels like a fraud, and provides practical ways to build confidence through work. The concept of 'stealing' is used as a metaphor for being influenced by others' ideas ethically rather than committing plagiarism. Austin Kleon also discusses the importance of keeping a day job and managing time wisely. These concepts are presented in a way…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative is best for ages 10+. Steal Like an Artist is a motivational, gift-style guide that provides practical advice for creative thinking and professional development. It earns its 10+ rating primarily due to a handful of mild profanities and the…

What age rating does Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative is published for a Upper MG audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What reading level is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative?

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative is 160 pages and its reading level is Grade 5-8. Bontent recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative about?

Steal Like an Artist is a motivational, gift-style guide that provides practical advice for creative thinking and professional development. It earns its 10+ rating primarily due to a handful of mild profanities and the intellectual nature of the creative concepts discussed. The content is generally wholesome, focusing…

Is there sex or nudity in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative?

The book contains no depictions of sexual content, nudity, or romantic relationships. The narrative focus remains strictly on the professional and personal development of a creative individual. Austin Kleon uses diagrams and typography to explain intellectual…

How violent is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative?

There are no depictions of physical violence, threats, or aggressive behavior in this book. The text focuses on the internal struggle of the creative process rather than external conflict. Some metaphorical language might be used to describe 'killing' your…

Is the language in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative appropriate for kids?

The language is generally mild and conversational, though it contains a few instances of profanity used for emphasis. Words like 'sh*t,' 'hell,' and 'heck' appear in quotes or to describe the frustration of producing low-quality work. The author uses these…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative?

This book does not feature any scenes of drug use, alcohol consumption, or smoking. The author actually advocates for a healthy, 'boring' lifestyle to sustain long-term creativity. There are no mentions of utilizing substances to find inspiration or any…

What mature themes appear in Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative?

The book explores mature but positive themes such as intellectual property, mentorship, and the necessity of financial stability. It tackles 'imposter syndrome,' where a person feels like a fraud, and provides practical ways to build confidence through work…

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