THE SCAR BOYS
A severely burned teenager. A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock ‘n’ roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world . . . even if you carry scars inside and out.
In attempting to describe himself in his college application essay–to “help us to become acquainted with you beyond your courses, grades, and test scores”–Harbinger (Harry) Jones goes way beyond the 250-word limit and gives a full account of his life.
The first defining moment: the day the neighborhood goons tied him to a tree during a lightning storm when he was 8 years old, and the tree was struck and caught fire. Harry was badly burned and has had to live with the physical and emotional scars, reactions from strangers, bullying, and loneliness that instantly became his everyday reality.
The second defining moment: the day in eighth grade when the handsome, charismatic Johnny rescued him from the bullies and then made the startling suggestion that they start a band together.
Harry discovered that playing music transported him out of his nightmare of a world, and he finally had something that compelled people to look beyond his physical appearance. Harry’s description of his life in his essay is both humorous and heart-wrenching. He had a steeper road to climb than the average kid, but he ends up learning something about personal power, friendship, first love, and how to fit in the world. While he’s looking back at the moments that have shaped his life, most of this story takes place while Harry is in high school and the summer after he graduates.
ISBN: 9781606845660
ISBN-10: 1606845667
Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab (R)
Publication Date: April 7th, 2015
Pages: 256
Language: English
Rec. Reading Level: 14-18, 9th grade & up
Scar Boys Reviews
[A] wry, stylish tale.
New York Times
Etches its way onto the heart and leaves a mark.
Kirkus Reviews
Distinguished in every way.
School Library Journal starred review
Compelling.This book not only captures the feeling of what it is like to form a band, but also the reasons why you form a band. It took my back to that time of being in a van on my very first tour.
Peter Buck, R.E.M.
A witty tale of a bullied teen boy saved by rock ‘n’ roll. Vlahos does a tremendous job of dealing with serious themes while still providing an enjoyable read that has many exciting and fun moments.
Common Sense Media
This survivor story looks addiction, bullying and isolation in the eye and doesn’t blink.
Justine Magazine
All hail Lincoln Hoppe… (Lincoln is the narrator of The Scar Boys, audiobook.)
Good Books Good Wine
Thought-provoking… heartbreaking! humorous! Harry learns about “true friendship, first loves and feeling peace.
Deseret News
Wise and heartwarming, Harry’s story will stay with you long after the novel ends.
Powell’s City of Books, Staff Pick
Full of great rock music and complicated characters, this book is a quick read for anyone who loves music and it’s power.
Ren, Books Inc. Blog
An amazing debut novel, it has a winning mix of punk rock, guitars and real life.
Waking Brain Cells
If RJ Palacio’s Wonder was a young adult novel, it’d be something like The Scar Boys.
Fantastic Fiction
Read this book, now. If it’s currently on your wish list, move it to the top, and if it’s not, then it really should be.
Books and Quilts
…the easy voice and writing style [made] it feel like Harry was sitting next to me, telling me his story.
Strung Out On Books
This is one of those wonderful novels where you are completely immersed from the very first page, and are nothing but satisfied by the time you close the book.
Mable’s Fables Raves & Faves