Vlahos, Len. The Scar Boys. New York: Egmont, USA, 2014. 978-1-60684-439-7. 256p. $17.99. Gr. 9 and Up.
Harbinger Robert Francis Jones (or “Harry”, as we come to know him) has led a life different than that of most 19 year-old boys. He was tied to a tree by bullies when he was eight years old, suffered disfiguring burns when that that tree was hit by lightning, became addicted to the Methadone prescribed for pain relief, and joined a punk rock band. This novel begins toward the end of Harry’s story. Harry’s rock days seem to be over and he is filling out a college application. This book is Harry’s grand, overgrown 250 word essay to a “Faceless Admissions Professional” at the University of Scranton. Harry tells FAP about the bullying incident that changed his life and the way others view him. He talks about the day he met Johnny McKenna- someone who saw past his scars- in 8th grade, and the formation of their band, “The Scar Boys”. The Scar Boys do have some musical success, but Johnny plans to give up his musical career for a college track scholarship. The band decides to end Johnny’s time with a blowout tour following their senior year of high school. This tour is life-changing for Harry. He has found his purpose in life, is finally able to stand up for himself, and in a strange turn of events, Harry becomes a savior to Johnny.
Realism Susan Fox, Washington JR SR HS
The Scar Boys is a great novel on many levels. In many ways, it reminded me of R.J. Palacio’s novel, Wonder. Both novels have an engaging, empathetic hero who finds his way past his deformity with the help of good friends. Harry’s situation is a little more complicated; he was a victim of bullies. He became addicted to pain medication. His parents experience friction and guilt because of his deformities. The “sex and drugs and rock n’ roll” theme that runs throughout the novel will be very appealing to teens (There is one mild sexual situation in the novel, as well as some alcohol/marijuana use). The true appeal of the novel, for me, is that the characters are not one dimensional rock and rollers. The relationship between Harry and Johnny is complicated. Although Johnny seems like the hero for rescuing Harry from a life of loneliness, Johnny likes being able to have control over him. The fact that Harry is the one who lifts Johnny out of his depression at the end of the novel, gives a sense of justice and completion to the book. If I was the Faceless Admissions Professional in question, you can be sure that I would accept Harry to my University.