Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid middle-grade fantasy that actually has something to say. The premise—creative kids sent to die but actually rescued into a magical art school—is dark enough to feel real but hopeful enough to work for 10-year-olds.

The magic system is genuinely cool: kids learn to weaponize painting, sculpture, music, and other arts. It's Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games, but with more heart about what makes people valuable. The twin brothers on opposite sides create real tension, and the found-family vibe in Artimé is warm without being saccharine.

Parents should know the opening is legitimately heavy—the 'Purge' and threat of death in boiling oil will stick with kids, even though it's quickly subverted. There are battle sequences and peril throughout. But for kids ready for that level of intensity, this delivers both entertainment and substance about embracing who you are.

Reviewers note later books get repetitive, so maybe start with book one and see if your kid wants to continue. At 10-14, this hits the sweet spot of being exciting enough to keep pages turning while prompting real conversations about conformity, creativity, and what kind of society we want to build.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who are ready for dystopian themes and can handle the dark premise of a society that 'purges' creative children. The fantasy violence and authoritarian setting make this too intense for younger readers, but the fast pace and art-based magic system will appeal to middle-graders who loved Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Strong positive messages about embracing creativity, individuality, and artistic expression in the face of conformity. The twin brothers' relationship provides emotional depth, and the found-family dynamics in Artimé model cooperation and acceptance. The dystopian premise (children sent to death) is dark but handled in a way that ultimately affirms life and community. Some romance elements in later books may feel more mature than expected for the age range, and the authoritarian world of Quill can be emotionally heavy, but the overall tone celebrates kindness and standing up for what's right.

Imaginative

88

Wildly creative premise that fuses dystopian world-building with a magical realm where art becomes literal power—painting spells, sculpting creatures, using music as defense. The concept of 'Unwanteds' discovering that their supposed death sentence is actually a portal to a place that celebrates their creativity is genuinely inventive. The world-building invites readers to think about art as a force for change and resistance. Won the Mark Twain Readers Award (2013) and Nutmeg Book Award (2015), signaling strong appeal to middle-grade readers. The magic system based on creative disciplines is fresh and encourages readers to value their own artistic interests.

Safe

72

The premise involves a yearly 'Purge' where creative children are supposedly sent to die in a lake of boiling oil, which is genuinely dark for middle-grade. However, this threat is quickly subverted when readers discover Artimé. Battle sequences occur throughout with magical combat, and there are themes of authoritarian control, family separation, and the threat of execution. Common Sense Media rates it 10+ based on 'peril, battles' but notes positive messages. The violence is fantasy-based rather than graphic, and the scariest elements are more conceptual (dystopian society) than visceral. Some romance in later books. Overall appropriate for the target age but parents should preview if their child is sensitive to dystopian themes or separation anxiety.

Enriching

82

Tackles meaningful themes about conformity vs. individuality, the value of creativity in society, and standing up against oppressive systems. The story prompts discussions about what makes someone 'wanted' or 'unwanted,' how societies decide who has value, and why authoritarian regimes fear artistic expression. The twin brothers on opposite sides of the divide create opportunities to explore loyalty, family, and moral choices. Fast-paced enough to keep middle-graders engaged while delivering substance about embracing differences and finding your community. Reviewers note the series can become repetitive in later books, but the first installment delivers strong entertainment value alongside its messages.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely inventive magic system where art disciplines (painting, sculpture, music) become literal weapons and powers
Strong anti-conformity message that celebrates creativity as a strength rather than a flaw—great for kids who feel different
Fast-paced plot with battles, twin brothers on opposite sides, and a found-family dynamic in the magical realm of Artimé
Won Mark Twain Readers Award and Nutmeg Book Award, with 4.6 stars on Amazon—kids genuinely love this series
Tackles meaty themes (authoritarianism, what gives people value, loyalty vs. morality) without being preachy

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What to Watch For

The opening premise is genuinely dark—kids sorted into categories with 'Unwanteds' sent to supposed death in boiling oil (though this is quickly revealed as a ruse)
Fantasy battle sequences throughout, with magical combat and peril; some characters face execution threats
Later books in the series reportedly get repetitive with long battle scenes and more prominent romance elements
Best for kids 10+ who can handle dystopian themes and aren't too sensitive to family separation or authoritarian control

Conversation Starters

"If you lived in Quill, would you try to hide your creativity or would you embrace being 'Unwanted'? What would be harder?"
"Alex and Aaron are twins on opposite sides—do you think Aaron actually believes in Quill's system or is he just following the rules?"
"If you could have art-based magic powers like the kids in Artimé, what creative skill would you want to turn into a superpower?"
"Why do you think the leaders of Quill are so afraid of creativity and artistic expression? What are they trying to protect?"
"Mr. Today saves the Unwanteds instead of letting them die—was he right to lie to the people of Quill all those years?"

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