Scarred

What If? Magazine

"Monique Polak succeeds in what so many others have tried to do and failed. She captures the readers' concern...A unique read."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Monique Polak handles this rarely addressed topic with sensitivity while offering teens a lot of useful information on this disease ... the novel is well written and engaging and offers several positive messages to its readers."

Children's Literature - Monserrat Urena

Becky used to skate in competitions. Her mother used to dream that she would go to the Olympics. But that ended a while ago. Becky now teaches little girls to skate at the local rink. And her mother is disappointed that she has let herself go. But she does not seem to see beyond Becky's extra pounds. She does not see that Becky is different—and that Becky has begun cutting herself. But when a ghost from Becky's past threatens one of her students she must find the strength to stop the past from repeating itself. This book deals with the issue of cutting and self-mutilation. It is an earnest endeavor to tell a story that does not detract from the seriousness of the act. It tries to take into consideration those individuals who have gone through or may be living with this condition. Given the seriousness of the subject matter, I cannot say that it will speak to everyone who reads this book. But I must applaud the careful and respectful work done to shed light on so delicate a subject. In the end, it is best if a teacher or parent or guardian reads this book for themselves first. Then they can use their own discretion about whether or not to introduce it to the home or classroom setting. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena

The Expositor

"This book is not only a great read, but it would be bibliotherapy for a self-mutilating teen."

CM Magazine

"Monique Polak handles this rarely addressed topic with sensitivity while offering teens a lot of useful information on this disease ... the novel is well written and engaging and offers several positive messages to its readers."