Oh, my! I so didn't want this book to end. It took me back to 7th Grade where I could often put myself in Scar Dakota's shoes. In fact, reading it kept evoking memories of junior high school. Scar is such a normal pre-teen, and we get to discover and even feel his insecurities as he makes a home in a brand new state across the country from where he had always lived.

I, especially, liked the interesting information about Hinduism. I have known several of that faith, and while I had a lot of respect for them and their beliefs, I wasn't very knowledgeable in that regard.

One sentence: "Sometimes it's so quiet in the basement I can hear my toenails growing." That's a new one for me and tickled me for some reason. 😃

Hats off to Jason Wright for his understanding of young people and for the research he must have done to write this successful story. I believe it was intended to be read by young people, but I can assure you that everyone--young or old--will enjoy it equally!

Review will be posted on GoodReads, Amazon and BookBub.

Middle school is a time of change and uncertainty for many students. Their bodies change, their friends change, and their lives change. "Scar" had many changes in his life: new town, new school, new friends, and the loss of a parent. The struggles and loss he faced were difficult, but he learned a lot about himself and what kind of person he wanted to be.

So many middle school children will be able to relate to the ups and downs throughout this book. One of my favorite parts was the subtle mention of "The Christmas Jar", one of my all time Jason Wright books.

This is a fantastic grade read. The Book follows a seventh grade boy who relocates from Virginia to Utah after the death of his mother. Struggling with grief over his mother and missing a a father he's never met, he's desperate to find his place in this new environment. Throughout the story he interests with a diverse group of friends, learns three truth about his father, unconditional kindness and the power of forgiveness. Most importantly he reminds everyone that we all have scars and of were choose they can become beautiful.

Even as an adult, I was deeply touched reading this book and considering the scars in my own life. I truly believe this is a book that touches on subjects many youth today are dealing with and will have a lasting impact on how they handle challenges in their lives all while coming you the them in a fun and entertaining form.

I highly recommend this as a wonderful read!

"Scar Dakota" by Jason F. Wright is a well-crafted portrayal of a young boy learning to grieve by confronting hard truths about the loss of his mother. The story opens with Shane Dakota standing at the gravesite of his mother who has recently died. His grandparents Meem and Jeeps are with him, helping him say goodbye to his mom and his life in North Carolina. As his new guardians they are taking him home to Happy Valley, Utah. As he gets settled in his new town he makes friends with a neighbor and classmate Kabir, and his little sister Priya. He even gets a new nickname, "Scar Dakota" after he tells a lie about the origins of a fresh scar across his face. As he gets settled in his new school he tells another lie, this one about how his mother died. And he starts hanging out with some wannabe Youtube stars/pranksters from his school. After an act of vandalism threatens his friendship with Kabir and Priya, Scar has to summon the strength to be vulnerable and reveal the actual story about his mother's death and his scar. Aiding Scar in his emotional journey are Meeps and Jeep as well as a supportive guidance counselor named Ms. Stella. This book is a realistic look at the paths that grief can take, and the routes that leads to healing. I think upper elementary and middle school readers would connect to this story, particularly those who have their own stories of loss.

This book review is also available on Instagram- @toallreaders


Scar Dakota
Jason F. Wright
‘Sometimes scars are more than skin deep’.
Shane Dakota used to live with his mom, in Wilmington, North Carolina. This changed though, when his mom died and he moved to live with his grandparents in Highland ,Utah. Now, he’s in a new environment, with a whirlwind of emotions with him, and a scar on his cheek.A new school brings a secret hidden within him, great new friends ,(Kabir and Ink) , and doubts, indecision, a few bad choices, and a longing for a real parent in his life. Will true friendship help him overcome his fears and obstacles? And will he learn to accept himself, scars and all?


This was such a great book! Shane was so awkward , and it was so relatable. Also, the obstacles Shane faced, though not all of us has lost a parent was metaphorically so understandable, and I felt Shane all the way. He made some bad choices, but that made the story better, because nobody is perfect and it made the story more realistic!
This book also reminded me of the song “Scars to your beautiful”, by Alessia Cara. Focusing on the line, “ No scars to your beautiful, we’re stars and we’re beautiful “


Other than some plot line confusion , I
thoroughly enjoyed this book!
9.5/10!!
Thank you net galley and Jason F Wright for sending me this book for review consideration! All opinions are my own.