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Steal like an artist (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

YA • 2012 • 176 pages • Grade 7-12

4.1
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

This is a non-fiction, illustrated guide to creativity that encourages readers to find inspiration in the work of others. It earns its recommended age due to its focus on professional and creative habits, making it most suitable for teenagers and young adults interested in the arts. Parents should note that the content is remarkably clean, containing only a few instances of mild language used for emphasis. It is an inspiring read for… Sign up for the full guide

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Is Steal like an artist appropriate for kids?

This is a non-fiction, illustrated guide to creativity that encourages readers to find inspiration in the work of others. It earns its recommended age due to its focus on professional and creative habits, making it most suitable for teenagers and young adults interested in the… Read more — free account

Content severity in Steal like an artist

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

What happens in Steal like an artist, moment by moment

  1. p. 7 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  2. p. 11 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  3. p. 19 💬 Language 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Steal like an artist

This non-fiction creative guide contains no sexual scenes, references, or romantic subplots of any kind. The text and illustrations focus entirely on the philosophy of art and professional habits for creators. There are no depictions of nudity or suggestive imagery, making it entirely safe in this category. The book is designed for a general audience, emphasizing work-life balance and creative discipline over personal or interpersonal relationships. Parents will find the content to be strictly professional and…

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Violence and gore in Steal like an artist

There is no physical violence, peril, or threat depicted in this book. Austin Kleon focuses the narrative on the constructive process of making art and the intellectual labor behind it. The most 'aggressive' metaphors used relate to 'stealing' ideas, but this is clearly defined as a process of finding inspiration rather than literal theft or harm. No characters or figures in the illustrations are shown in distress or undergoing physical harm. The tone is consistently positive, encouraging, and focused on the…

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Language in Steal like an artist

Very mild. There are a few instances of minor profanity used for rhetorical effect, such as 'hell' and 'crap', but no strong language is present.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Steal like an artist

There are no depictions of drug or alcohol use within the text or the accompanying illustrations. The author advocates for a healthy lifestyle to maintain creative output, explicitly mentioning the importance of getting enough sleep and staying out of debt. While the book mentions the lifestyle habits of various famous artists, it avoids discussing their potential substance struggles, focusing instead on their work ethics. The guidance provided is wholesome, promoting a clean and focused lifestyle to support one's…

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Mature themes in Steal like an artist

The book explores sophisticated themes of intellectual property, the concept of original thought, and the reality of the creative process in the digital age. It challenges the myth of the 'lone genius,' instead proposing that all creative work is built upon what came before. Kleon discusses the importance of hard work, discipline, and the value of networking and sharing work online. Other themes include the benefit of having side projects and hobbies to prevent burnout. The book encourages young readers to be…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Steal like an artist appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Steal like an artist is best for ages 12+. This is a non-fiction, illustrated guide to creativity that encourages readers to find inspiration in the work of others. It earns its recommended age due to its focus on professional and creative habits, making it most…

What age rating does Steal like an artist have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. Steal like an artist is shelved by its publisher as YA, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 12+.

What reading level is Steal like an artist?

Steal like an artist is 176 pages and its reading level is Grade 7-12. Bontent recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Steal like an artist about?

This is a non-fiction, illustrated guide to creativity that encourages readers to find inspiration in the work of others. It earns its recommended age due to its focus on professional and creative habits, making it most suitable for teenagers and young adults interested in the arts. Parents should note that the…

Is there sex or nudity in Steal like an artist?

This non-fiction creative guide contains no sexual scenes, references, or romantic subplots of any kind. The text and illustrations focus entirely on the philosophy of art and professional habits for creators. There are no depictions of nudity or suggestive…

How violent is Steal like an artist?

There is no physical violence, peril, or threat depicted in this book. Austin Kleon focuses the narrative on the constructive process of making art and the intellectual labor behind it. The most 'aggressive' metaphors used relate to 'stealing' ideas, but this…

Is the language in Steal like an artist appropriate for kids?

Very mild. There are a few instances of minor profanity used for rhetorical effect, such as 'hell' and 'crap', but no strong language is present.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Steal like an artist?

There are no depictions of drug or alcohol use within the text or the accompanying illustrations. The author advocates for a healthy lifestyle to maintain creative output, explicitly mentioning the importance of getting enough sleep and staying out of debt…

What mature themes appear in Steal like an artist?

The book explores sophisticated themes of intellectual property, the concept of original thought, and the reality of the creative process in the digital age. It challenges the myth of the 'lone genius,' instead proposing that all creative work is built upon…

Where can I read the full Steal like an artist parent guide?

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