Scar Island

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2017

Review

Gemeinhart has, once again, put his master storytelling abilities to work in this gripping middle grade novel. Jonathan has been sent to the Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys run by the Admiral, a tyrant who believes that the boys in his care are scabs to be ripped from society so their rottenness can be cut out of them. Built on a remote island that once housed an insane asylum, Slabhenge is as dire as Jonathan feels he deserves. He has been convicted of a horrible crime, and he bears the physical scars as a memento. But the scars on his heart and mind hurt far more, and he is going to have to learn to forgive himself if he is going to survive his stay, especially when a freak accident leaves the boys, deemed too horrible to mix with regular society, on their own in a scene straight out of Fielding's "Lord of the Flies". A study in loss and forgiveness; a testament to the power of friendship; a harrowing survival story: all rolled into one fantastic read. Put this book in the hands of middle school-aged readers, particularly those still struggling to find their way as a reader, and it will be a success.

Overall Book Score: excellent