Graff, Lisa. Scar Like a River, A. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano, 02/2026. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-3165-7080-0. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING.
Lisa Graff delivers a powerful and realistic portrayal of thirteen-year-old Fallon Little as she copes with the aftermath of sexual and violent assault. Fallon has three big secrets, including who sliced her face, permanently scarring her when she was five. The tipping point for releasing her secrets is when her uncle Steve, “Geebie,” dies, setting off an emotional cascade. Fallon is also dealing with starring as the lead in Hello Dolly! But when she vocally disagrees with the play’s message, she loses the part. Her mother is chronically ill, and her Aunt Lune, whom she has a troubled relationship with, comes to live with them. Fallon’s two best friends have suddenly become an item. And she finds a new friendship with an unlikely person, Stella, the beautiful mean girl. Fallon is a quick-witted, complex character. The story takes place in a fictional California town, Cedar Haven, nestled in the southeastern mountains. Graff shines an unflinching lens on trauma and the ways families grapple with the fallout. Reminiscent of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s Fighting Words (Dial Books, 2021). Content note and author’s note included.
Yesica Hurd—Berkeley Public Library