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A Scar like a River
A coming-of-age story about Fallon Little, a thirteen-year-old with a mysterious scar on her face—and a big secret she feels pressured to keep—by bestselling author Lisa Graff.
Everyone assumes that the day Fallon got the awful scar across her face must have been the worst day of her life. But when Uncle Geebie dies, his funeral starts a cascade of events that force Fallon to confront the big and small tragedies she has lived through, all of which feel worse than Scar Day. Her best friends Trent and Darcy are crushing on each other and feel more distant than ever, the school play in which Fallon is cast as the lead is spiraling out of control, and her Mom’s grief has her in despair. Still, none of these things compare to the worst day of her life—not even close.
Through unflinching prose and with a pitch-perfect voice, Lisa Graff explores the power of confronting the past as a way to heal in the present.
Everyone assumes that the day Fallon got the awful scar across her face must have been the worst day of her life. But when Uncle Geebie dies, his funeral starts a cascade of events that force Fallon to confront the big and small tragedies she has lived through, all of which feel worse than Scar Day. Her best friends Trent and Darcy are crushing on each other and feel more distant than ever, the school play in which Fallon is cast as the lead is spiraling out of control, and her Mom’s grief has her in despair. Still, none of these things compare to the worst day of her life—not even close.
Through unflinching prose and with a pitch-perfect voice, Lisa Graff explores the power of confronting the past as a way to heal in the present.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2026
About the author
Lisa Graff
23 books519 followersLisa Graff is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of the National Book Award nominee A Tangle of Knots, as well as Lost in the Sun, Absolutely Almost, Double Dog Dare, Umbrella Summer, The Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower, The Thing About Georgie and Sophie Simon Solves Them All. Originally from California, she lived for many years in New York City and now makes her home just outside of Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
May 22, 2026
What an emotional and poignant read! I highly recommend checking the content warnings on this which include sexual assault, physical assault, neglect (more of avoidance/lack of protection) of minor from adult. 4.5 stars
What Worked: I wasn't sure what to expect going into this novel; however, A Scar Like a River is one of the most emotional middle grade/teen novels that I've read this year. Though it didn't bring me to the point of tears, Fallon's experience was handled carefully, thoughtfully, and with a sense of compassion by Lisa Graff. Though I believe that children need happy, fun, and humorous stories, the narratives that capture these very real experiences are just as necessary. Every emotion whether it is fear, anger, or sadness, etc is evoked perfectly on each page. Additionally, Graff provides Fallon with a supportive network of friends who are there during both high and low moments. Graff also effectively ends the novel in a realistic way that addresses the issues at end while also taking into account how a 13-year old would process the revelations of some previous serious secrets.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, I do think that this novel suffers slightly from attempting to cover too many topics at one time. Between the friendship break ups, the issues associated with the history of the school play, Fallon's secrets, the narrative begins to feel too jam packed. I'm a firm believer in the idea of tackling one or two major topics to assist with lessening the complications that come with having too many plot threads.
Overall, this was both a powerful and emotional read that is definitely worth checking out.
What Worked: I wasn't sure what to expect going into this novel; however, A Scar Like a River is one of the most emotional middle grade/teen novels that I've read this year. Though it didn't bring me to the point of tears, Fallon's experience was handled carefully, thoughtfully, and with a sense of compassion by Lisa Graff. Though I believe that children need happy, fun, and humorous stories, the narratives that capture these very real experiences are just as necessary. Every emotion whether it is fear, anger, or sadness, etc is evoked perfectly on each page. Additionally, Graff provides Fallon with a supportive network of friends who are there during both high and low moments. Graff also effectively ends the novel in a realistic way that addresses the issues at end while also taking into account how a 13-year old would process the revelations of some previous serious secrets.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, I do think that this novel suffers slightly from attempting to cover too many topics at one time. Between the friendship break ups, the issues associated with the history of the school play, Fallon's secrets, the narrative begins to feel too jam packed. I'm a firm believer in the idea of tackling one or two major topics to assist with lessening the complications that come with having too many plot threads.
Overall, this was both a powerful and emotional read that is definitely worth checking out.
February 2, 2026
Lisa Graff’s A Scar Like a River is a deeply moving middle-grade novel that handles a complex web of plotlines with remarkable skill. At its center is Fallon, a young girl whose life is defined by the physical scar on her face and the heavy, unspoken secrets behind it. Graff does an amazing job of putting the reader directly in Fallon's shoes as she navigates her mother’s undiagnosed illness, auditions for a school play that challenges her beliefs, and the shifting dynamics of her friendships.
The story truly excels in its depiction of the messy reality of trauma. While adult readers might anticipate the "secrets" Fallon is harboring, it doesn't make her journey any less heartbreaking. Graff explores heavy themes—sexual assault, gaslighting, and accountability—alongside the typical middle-grade struggles of navigating best friendships and family dynamics. The way everything unravels following her uncle's death feels authentic and painfully real.
Fallon is an exceptionally well-drawn protagonist. Her relationship with her rival-turned-friend, Stella, is a highlight, as is the normalization of therapy within her loving family dynamic. However, potential readers and caregivers should be aware of the book's content. The book is clear about the sexual abuse Fallon suffered at age five. Though the description isn't overly graphic, it doesn't skirt the details of how her abuser manipulated her.
This book absolutely needs a trigger warning, but its existence is vital. It addresses the reality that children can keep secrets even in "good" environments and emphasizes that they need time to process before speaking out. This is a title that will stick with me; it’s a powerful tool for building empathy and could be a crucial way to start difficult but necessary conversations with young people.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story truly excels in its depiction of the messy reality of trauma. While adult readers might anticipate the "secrets" Fallon is harboring, it doesn't make her journey any less heartbreaking. Graff explores heavy themes—sexual assault, gaslighting, and accountability—alongside the typical middle-grade struggles of navigating best friendships and family dynamics. The way everything unravels following her uncle's death feels authentic and painfully real.
Fallon is an exceptionally well-drawn protagonist. Her relationship with her rival-turned-friend, Stella, is a highlight, as is the normalization of therapy within her loving family dynamic. However, potential readers and caregivers should be aware of the book's content. The book is clear about the sexual abuse Fallon suffered at age five. Though the description isn't overly graphic, it doesn't skirt the details of how her abuser manipulated her.
This book absolutely needs a trigger warning, but its existence is vital. It addresses the reality that children can keep secrets even in "good" environments and emphasizes that they need time to process before speaking out. This is a title that will stick with me; it’s a powerful tool for building empathy and could be a crucial way to start difficult but necessary conversations with young people.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2026
The first thing anyone notices about thirteen-year-old Fallon Little is the scar across her face. But she's kept her scar story to herself since she was five ... and that's not the only secret she's keeping. When her uncle dies, it feels like things in Fallon life start spiraling out of control. Her mom is dealing with chronic illness, her despised Aunt Lune moves in, her best friends start crushing on each other and leaving her out, and the middle school play (which Fallon's starring in!) is in danger of being canceled. Fallon learns to speak up and speak out about the things she cares about -- and maybe that means giving voice to some secrets she's been hiding for a long, long time.
I guess this book is a follow-up to Lost in the Sun, published over a decade ago; there were some paragraphs explaining some plot points to that book that felt a little out-of-place in this one. I didn't read that one first (I plan to change that soon!), but this novel stands alone.
The writing in this book was excellent. I loved Fallon as a character; I loved her authentic voice. Her humor shines through, even while dealing with difficult topics.
I did this one partially on audio and the narration was really, really good -- but then my Libby hold expired so I finished it via ebook.
Content warning for violence toward a child and sexual assault of a child.
There is a scene that is brief but still descriptive about the sexual assault. I think that scene is just the right length so that young readers are clear about happened. Too many children are victims of sexual assault. This book could give a child both the vocabulary and courage to tell a trusted adult about their own trauma.
I guess this book is a follow-up to Lost in the Sun, published over a decade ago; there were some paragraphs explaining some plot points to that book that felt a little out-of-place in this one. I didn't read that one first (I plan to change that soon!), but this novel stands alone.
The writing in this book was excellent. I loved Fallon as a character; I loved her authentic voice. Her humor shines through, even while dealing with difficult topics.
I did this one partially on audio and the narration was really, really good -- but then my Libby hold expired so I finished it via ebook.
Content warning for violence toward a child and sexual assault of a child.
There is a scene that is brief but still descriptive about the sexual assault. I think that scene is just the right length so that young readers are clear about happened. Too many children are victims of sexual assault. This book could give a child both the vocabulary and courage to tell a trusted adult about their own trauma.
March 13, 2026
This book is a hard read but beautifully told, and the difficult subjects are handled with all the appropriate care and seriousness that they deserve. Fallon is a well written character whose voice feels so real and vivid that I had to see the book aside a few times just to catch my breath.
I often wonder what I would have felt if I’d read books like this when I was the target audience. When I was Fallon’s age my trauma was already buried so deep that I’d convinced myself that it never happened in the first place. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I acknowledged to myself that I was sexually assaulted as a young child and that it had significantly impacted my life in ways I had persistently ignored.
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was one of the books that helped me the most in facing what was done to me.
Books like these two are hard but so necessary. I’m glad I read this one and I hope it helps others too.
I often wonder what I would have felt if I’d read books like this when I was the target audience. When I was Fallon’s age my trauma was already buried so deep that I’d convinced myself that it never happened in the first place. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I acknowledged to myself that I was sexually assaulted as a young child and that it had significantly impacted my life in ways I had persistently ignored.
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was one of the books that helped me the most in facing what was done to me.
Books like these two are hard but so necessary. I’m glad I read this one and I hope it helps others too.
June 8, 2026
4.5 This book felt very real. Fallon seemed like a typical middle schooler in terms of her actions, language, thought process, etc. The trauma was there, but not too much. Her reactions made sense to me. It spoke loudly in a soft way.
"Because the first step in healing, I realized, was to find someone to listen."
"Because the first step in healing, I realized, was to find someone to listen."
May 30, 2026
This book pulled me in and didn’t let go until I turned the last page. Fallon’s voice is so real, and funny and full of heart! I cheered for her when she didn’t back down, and cringed for her when she made mistakes, and cried for her when she used her voice. Her journey is cathartic and heartbreaking and I like to imagine all the things she could do as she grows into the person she will be.
April 15, 2026
I read wearing the hat of an elementary school librarian. And this heart wrenching story of sexual abuse seems directed to a more middle school reader who is confronting middle school dramas like your best friends starting a more than friends relationship. At the same time, the truth is that elementary students are being sexually abused. Confronting that abuse is extremely difficult. If reading a book like this could help them, shouldn’t it be available to them?
Beautiful and compelling told, this is an extraordinary piece. Much like Fighting Words by Brubaker Bradley, it is powerfully written. If Fighting Words is on elementary library shelves maybe Scar Like a River should be too. But on the whole this book seems more middle school than Fighting Words.
Beautiful and compelling told, this is an extraordinary piece. Much like Fighting Words by Brubaker Bradley, it is powerfully written. If Fighting Words is on elementary library shelves maybe Scar Like a River should be too. But on the whole this book seems more middle school than Fighting Words.
June 26, 2026
Kudos to Lisa Graff for taking on a difficult and sensitive topic (childhood sexual abuse) in her most recent middle grades novel, A Scar like a River. The death of Fallon's uncle opens the bottle of trauma that she has been keeping tightly sealed since was was five. Graff's middle school characters are spot on and her balance of humor and heart are to be commended. Hopefully this book will help middle schoolers navigating trauma.
July 30, 2026
i literally read the last 90% of this in two hours I’m sick
July 6, 2026
This was incredibly written, beautiful, and a really tough subject. It was not an easy read, but it was powerful. I also really appreciated Fallon as a character, she was nuanced and interesting and relatable.
February 15, 2026
(Actual rating: 4.75 stars)
This is a heavy yet beautiful read. Graff's narrative treads with care through difficult, traumatic topics creating a beautiful and real main character. Fallon has three secrets that she gradually reveals throughout the narrative. These terrible things happen to precious children like Fallon all too often. Graff showed the consequences of this trauma while also existing as a middle school girl in a delicate balance that I have not seen in many, if any, other middle grade books. I highly recommend this.
This is a heavy yet beautiful read. Graff's narrative treads with care through difficult, traumatic topics creating a beautiful and real main character. Fallon has three secrets that she gradually reveals throughout the narrative. These terrible things happen to precious children like Fallon all too often. Graff showed the consequences of this trauma while also existing as a middle school girl in a delicate balance that I have not seen in many, if any, other middle grade books. I highly recommend this.
May 13, 2026
This book felt very authentic. Fallon’s life feels like a real 13 year old’s life in many ways… school and friendship problems. However, Fallon also has some serious secrets that she has been keeping from everyone. I want to say that I think Fallon’s character is really well done. I appreciated how she dealt with these serious secrets and admired her strength. I think this book could be really good as a mirror or window for middle grade kids to see themselves or have empathy for others. But to be honest, I had a hard time with the adults in this book. And I thought it was too long… middle grade readers might not stick this one out for the long haul.
July 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolute perfection. My first 5-star read of the year.
I am actually speechless.
I finished this book hours ago and I'm still thinking about it. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, my heart shattered, and somehow this book put all of those pieces back together again. I was genuinely not okay by the end.
First of all, Fallon is one of the most authentic protagonists I've read in a long time. She never feels overly dramatic or unreal—she just feels human. She's funny, sarcastic, stubborn, compassionate, and always true to herself. That made everything she went through hurt so much more because it was like watching a real person carry the weight of a secret as deep as sexual assault from a family member.
The relationship between Fallon, Trent, and Kaia was written so incredibly well because it wasn't built around some ridiculous miscommunication that could've been solved in one conversation. it captured something so much more real and relatable: that awful feeling of realizing your friendships are changing and wondering where you fit anymore. Watching Fallon feel left behind as her closest friends grew closer to each other genuinely broke my heart because it's such a painfully relatable experience. Especially when she had to face new budding friendships as her old, more complex relationships end, and dealing the weight of her protesting the school play on her friends. She really had to look at herself and realize that what she did was somewhat wrong, but able to go and apologize, make-up and solve the problem she created unintentionally. When they all got back together as friends made me smile.
But what really made this book stand out was how thoughtfully it handled trauma.
This is technically a middle-grade/YA crossover, but It tackles incredibly difficult topics with so much honesty and compassion. I especially appreciated how the author showed that survivors don't always immediately recognize what happened to them as assault. Sometimes they minimize it. Sometimes they convince themselves it "wasn't that bad." Sometimes staying silent feels safer than speaking up—especially when the person who hurt them is someone everyone else admires. Those reactions are real, and I loved that this book never places that burden on the survivor.
It also doesn't pretend that trauma magically disappears. The flashbacks, the fear, the guilt, the way that experience can completely change how someone sees themselves and the world—it all felt heartbreakingly honest through Fallons eyes and her experiences. Healing isn't linear, and this book relates that to her scar, which I thought was a unique comparison.
And then there was the ending...
I was not okay.
Watching Fallon finally begin to process everything she'd been carrying, forgive her aunt, and continue being such a source of strength for her mom…
It was emotional without ever feeling forced. The ending doesn't promise that everything is suddenly perfect. it reminds us that healing is something you choose every single day. Like Fallon's scar, it's something that stays with you—but it doesn't have to define you.
This book was amazing and so so so beautiful, as well as impactful.
It is such a beautiful story about healing, resilience, friendship, family, and finding the courage to speak the truth even when it's terrifying.
I loved every single page.
Please, please read this book.
Memorable Quotes!!
“ but since I turned 13 in the fall, my parents decided that I when I had a boy over we had to stay in the living room with “ adult supervision.” which was obviously a rule they only created because they were worried about Trent and me making out. But that was pretty messed up because, for one thing, my parents let Kaia and me hang out in my room unsupervised, so clearly they just assumed I was straight without even asking. And for another thing, if there ever was a boy, I wanted to make out with-which there wasn’t at the moment, just for the record- it sure wouldn’t be Trent Zimmerman.”
“ You want to come to SHASA with me sometime?’ Stella asked. And that’s how I knew. She had heard me loud and clear. ‘ I think you’d like it.’
And did that moment, I knew I had two choices. I could pretend I didn’t know what she was talking about, pretend the “too” hadn’t happened. Or I could hug the world close to my chest and finally embrace it. ‘Sure’ I told Stella.”
“ but when aunt Lune told me I was fine, it made me feel like I had to be. And that if I wasn’t, it was all my fault. I never told anyone else about the lights after I told aunt Lune. I knew that, just like her, no one would ever believe me. So I kept it a secret, from that day on. And I kept to what she said, a secret, too.”
“ I did it. I’d said it. I never said it before, and now I had…. And you know what? It was enough. As I waved weekly and walked to the door, I didn’t feel happy, and I didn’t feel sad. I was a little bit relieved, for having finally said, the words out loud, and a little bit nervous, too, about what Stella and Elise and Hazel and everyone whose names I didn’t even know would think about it. And all those feelings were sort of spinning in my brain, making me feel that just a roller coaster sort of feeling-not bad, not good, just spinny. And lighter. Because a tiny, Eddie bit of weight I’ve been caring so long. I nearly forgot, and it was there, had finally disappeared. And even though it was just a tiny, itty-bitty amount, it felt like a huge, huge difference.”
“ Elise said it’s normal to feel mixed up feelings about the people who hurt us, but sometimes I feel guilty. having those happy memories. Like having ever been happy around my uncle meant that I’d be betrayed the girl I used to be, the girl before that Christmas, because I wasted so many opportunities to let him know how much he hurt me before he died…. Because now that he’s dead, I’ll never get to do that- which just makes me feel awful all over again, like there’s a hole inside me that nothing can ever fill up, and sometimes it feels like my entire body is just caving in all around that emptiness and then I hate myself all over again, for not having done something to stop that hole from getting so deep when I had the chance- and I hate seven-year-old Fallon Little too for having fun at Disneyland when she could’ve been screaming at her uncle for being a monster…. And then I’m mad for being mad at myself at all- when the person I should be mad at is Uncle Geebie”
“ But for all the times I can, I figure I might as well try to tilt. To shape my own river, make it go where I want, make it feel the way I should feel. Heading down the river with the sun on my scarred face, knowing there may be boulders ahead, but enjoying the trip just the same. Tilting towards joy.”
I am actually speechless.
I finished this book hours ago and I'm still thinking about it. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, my heart shattered, and somehow this book put all of those pieces back together again. I was genuinely not okay by the end.
First of all, Fallon is one of the most authentic protagonists I've read in a long time. She never feels overly dramatic or unreal—she just feels human. She's funny, sarcastic, stubborn, compassionate, and always true to herself. That made everything she went through hurt so much more because it was like watching a real person carry the weight of a secret as deep as sexual assault from a family member.
The relationship between Fallon, Trent, and Kaia was written so incredibly well because it wasn't built around some ridiculous miscommunication that could've been solved in one conversation. it captured something so much more real and relatable: that awful feeling of realizing your friendships are changing and wondering where you fit anymore. Watching Fallon feel left behind as her closest friends grew closer to each other genuinely broke my heart because it's such a painfully relatable experience. Especially when she had to face new budding friendships as her old, more complex relationships end, and dealing the weight of her protesting the school play on her friends. She really had to look at herself and realize that what she did was somewhat wrong, but able to go and apologize, make-up and solve the problem she created unintentionally. When they all got back together as friends made me smile.
But what really made this book stand out was how thoughtfully it handled trauma.
This is technically a middle-grade/YA crossover, but It tackles incredibly difficult topics with so much honesty and compassion. I especially appreciated how the author showed that survivors don't always immediately recognize what happened to them as assault. Sometimes they minimize it. Sometimes they convince themselves it "wasn't that bad." Sometimes staying silent feels safer than speaking up—especially when the person who hurt them is someone everyone else admires. Those reactions are real, and I loved that this book never places that burden on the survivor.
It also doesn't pretend that trauma magically disappears. The flashbacks, the fear, the guilt, the way that experience can completely change how someone sees themselves and the world—it all felt heartbreakingly honest through Fallons eyes and her experiences. Healing isn't linear, and this book relates that to her scar, which I thought was a unique comparison.
And then there was the ending...
I was not okay.
Watching Fallon finally begin to process everything she'd been carrying, forgive her aunt, and continue being such a source of strength for her mom…
It was emotional without ever feeling forced. The ending doesn't promise that everything is suddenly perfect. it reminds us that healing is something you choose every single day. Like Fallon's scar, it's something that stays with you—but it doesn't have to define you.
This book was amazing and so so so beautiful, as well as impactful.
It is such a beautiful story about healing, resilience, friendship, family, and finding the courage to speak the truth even when it's terrifying.
I loved every single page.
Please, please read this book.
Memorable Quotes!!
“ but since I turned 13 in the fall, my parents decided that I when I had a boy over we had to stay in the living room with “ adult supervision.” which was obviously a rule they only created because they were worried about Trent and me making out. But that was pretty messed up because, for one thing, my parents let Kaia and me hang out in my room unsupervised, so clearly they just assumed I was straight without even asking. And for another thing, if there ever was a boy, I wanted to make out with-which there wasn’t at the moment, just for the record- it sure wouldn’t be Trent Zimmerman.”
“ You want to come to SHASA with me sometime?’ Stella asked. And that’s how I knew. She had heard me loud and clear. ‘ I think you’d like it.’
And did that moment, I knew I had two choices. I could pretend I didn’t know what she was talking about, pretend the “too” hadn’t happened. Or I could hug the world close to my chest and finally embrace it. ‘Sure’ I told Stella.”
“ but when aunt Lune told me I was fine, it made me feel like I had to be. And that if I wasn’t, it was all my fault. I never told anyone else about the lights after I told aunt Lune. I knew that, just like her, no one would ever believe me. So I kept it a secret, from that day on. And I kept to what she said, a secret, too.”
“ I did it. I’d said it. I never said it before, and now I had…. And you know what? It was enough. As I waved weekly and walked to the door, I didn’t feel happy, and I didn’t feel sad. I was a little bit relieved, for having finally said, the words out loud, and a little bit nervous, too, about what Stella and Elise and Hazel and everyone whose names I didn’t even know would think about it. And all those feelings were sort of spinning in my brain, making me feel that just a roller coaster sort of feeling-not bad, not good, just spinny. And lighter. Because a tiny, Eddie bit of weight I’ve been caring so long. I nearly forgot, and it was there, had finally disappeared. And even though it was just a tiny, itty-bitty amount, it felt like a huge, huge difference.”
“ Elise said it’s normal to feel mixed up feelings about the people who hurt us, but sometimes I feel guilty. having those happy memories. Like having ever been happy around my uncle meant that I’d be betrayed the girl I used to be, the girl before that Christmas, because I wasted so many opportunities to let him know how much he hurt me before he died…. Because now that he’s dead, I’ll never get to do that- which just makes me feel awful all over again, like there’s a hole inside me that nothing can ever fill up, and sometimes it feels like my entire body is just caving in all around that emptiness and then I hate myself all over again, for not having done something to stop that hole from getting so deep when I had the chance- and I hate seven-year-old Fallon Little too for having fun at Disneyland when she could’ve been screaming at her uncle for being a monster…. And then I’m mad for being mad at myself at all- when the person I should be mad at is Uncle Geebie”
“ But for all the times I can, I figure I might as well try to tilt. To shape my own river, make it go where I want, make it feel the way I should feel. Heading down the river with the sun on my scarred face, knowing there may be boulders ahead, but enjoying the trip just the same. Tilting towards joy.”
March 14, 2026
Wow, this might be Lisa Graff’s best book yet. She chose a very serious topic (childhood sexual abuse) but managed to insert a lot of light hearted moments. Fallon is 13 when the book begins and the abuse happened when she was 5. She has tucked it away and never told her family about it. She is just going about normal middle school life when some events come together that ignites a storm within her. This story should encourage youth to speak up about traumas that might have left them scarred and help them heal along the way. My favorite quote of the book was on page 337. “Because the first step in healing, I realized, was to find someone to listen. Sometimes that was the hardest part.” A quote by author Sarah Weeks on the back of the book jacket is perfect. “Quirky, funny, timely, and deeply moving.”
April 7, 2026
Powerful. Realistic. Revelatory. But it’s a difficult book to read due to the internal and external turmoil of her facial scar and the dark secrets Fallon has kept festering inside. (Her uncle abused her sexually at age five, and when enraged, also cut her face.) Many surgeries later, no one knows about this, so when he dies, the funeral brings everything to a head for Fallon.She’s a gifted singer, wise, funny, quirky, and loves her parents (Mom has chronic fatigue syndrome.) and best friends, Trent and Kaia. But when triggered, absolutely everything falls apart. She finally finds release and relief in group therapy, and is able to talk about the monster everyone thought was a fine fellow. She pictures her scar like a river: the memories can be smooth sailing or as horrific as drowning in a whirlpool. Still, Fallon learns SHE is in charge of making the river go where she wants, and feeling what she wants to feel. After 386 fraught pages, she feels free at last to “tilt towards joy.”
October 19, 2025
I was so fortunate to receive an advance reader’s copy of this novel and read it in one day. The compelling story perfectly demonstrates the toll that keeping secrets has on us. Fallon Little is a wonderfully complex and creative character, and I especially loved her various friendships. And while she is self-aware and kind with her friends - until multiple stresses create fissures - she isn’t as kind as she is with herself. Graff does a wonderful job of dealing with a sensitive subject, and nicely balances Fallon’s pain with regular middle school drama. The story is riveting and moving and beautifully written. Bravo.
March 8, 2026
fallon little, my beloved :,)
genre: contemporary/coming-of-age
recommended age: 11+
tw’s:
graphic
chronic illness
gaslighting
sexual tr4uma
moderate
vomit
death
grief
mild
p3dophilia
sexual assau1t
!ncest
genre: contemporary/coming-of-age
recommended age: 11+
tw’s:
graphic
chronic illness
gaslighting
sexual tr4uma
moderate
vomit
death
grief
mild
p3dophilia
sexual assau1t
!ncest
Read
February 12, 2026This one was heavy. It should definitely include trigger warnings and, in my opinion, should lean toward older middle grade and up.
March 24, 2026
4.5 - will come back to rerank it after I've read more books for the new round of Mock Printz committee, this is my first read of the new cycle. I devoured this in a day. Mainly because I have a HUGE STACK of books to read in the midst of my busiest portion of the year (cries) and so much to do, but I'd recommend trying to read all of this at once too to get the full experience. I gotta say, I have never read a J FIC book that talks about childhood sexual abuse, so I don't really have anything to compare it to in its age range, and I think this is an underrepresented topic written about for this age range, so props to Graff! Covers sexual assault, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, speaking up when you see injustice, navigating relationships while coming of age, and learning how to heal and find joy in life while dealing with trauma.
Thirteen-year-old scar-on-her-face Fallon Little has three secrets. After her uncle dies, her buried trauma resurfaces and she struggles with navigating it, going to therapy and considering telling someone who will listen. At the same time, she gets the lead role in a play that carries themes she refuses to support, so she speaks out against it and as a result gets the play canceled. Her best friends Trent and Kaia start dating and she feels left out, but she begins to make friends with Stella, her old rival, after they both discover they share something in common: having experienced sexual assault. Fallon navigates family dynamics with her aunt (who shut down her concerns when Fallon told her as a child) and telling her parents the truth about her scar and her experiences. Though things appear to come crashing down with the play, friendships, and family relationships, Fallon learns and grows and is joyfully supported by her loved ones in the end.
Story: I can see this being like a childhood sexual abuse version of Speak for middle-grade/young YA readers. Its portrayal of the effects of sexual assault on a young person is important to showcase to readers of all ages, especially for pre-teens and young teens. There was a lot going on - protesting the play, struggles with her chronically ill mom, difficulty with her aunt, navigating her trauma and uncle's death, friendship drama, therapy - but that's life. But it felt like a lot to fit into one story, and the book was a tad lengthy in my opinion - I wish some parts could have been condensed. The story felt realistic in the circumstances, character decisions, and outcomes. The writing was clear and easy to read. The plot flowed naturally at a consistent pace. I cried when Fallon confronts her aunt yelling that she knew and that had happened to her aunt too, and then again when her dad talks to her about her sexual assault. I really appreciated that while there were a lot of heavy topics in this work, they were all covered carefully without gratuitous detail, AND there were so many moments of joy and silliness - getting the lead in the school play, watching movies with friends, teaching her dog to dance, putting on a fantastic skit with Kaia, and singing on the field trip to the aquarium.
Voice: It was an adjustment for me to read this middle-grade/young YA book and get used to the youngness of the voice. Fallon is thirteen and in seventh grade. Her voice definitely reflects that. She has a sense of humor, is a bit dramatic at times/huffy/quick to anger, feels the unfairness of things strongly, isn't afraid to use her voice and speak her mind and hold to her convictions, and uses sarcasm/side remarks in paratheses often. Her voice is clear and consistent throughout the work.
Style: Uses a lot of paratheses, which works well to show the early teenage year angst, sarcasm, and dry sense of humor. The repetition of certain items throughout the book was excellent. The opening pages were so good! Especially with the details about her scar, visiting the river with family, and how like the river her scar is hiding secrets. She wraps up the book in a similar fashion, talking about how rivers can be always changing and how memories are not just one thing or one feeling. You can tilt some memories a certain way, and she decides to tilt towards joy, choosing joy as she moves forward in life. I like the stylistic choice of continually referring to secrets, both in the section divisions, chapter headers, and chapter text. The repeated use of the phrases that haunt her ("You're fine, Fallon. Nothing happened. Go back to sleep.") and the lights blinking helped readers to feel and connect with her trauma responses and see how it affects her life. I also loved how the author tied in Fallon's interest in spotting movie continuity inconsistencies and connected it to how Fallon learns people are inconsistent, changing, and multiple-things-at-once in real life.
Setting: Clear setting in her small town. Nothing confusing about it. Felt consistent throughout the work.
Accuracy: Discusses the difficulty of having facial/physical scars, navigating what people think, and beauty standards in society. Fallon displays multiple natural responses to her sexual assault - triggers (Christmas lights, Christmas), avoidance (her "robot brain" after being triggered, doing things on autopilot, avoiding conversations), numbness (not remembering things, sitting in the same spot for hours), anger (breaking the Christmas lights on someone’s house because it reminds her of the night she was assaulted, yelling at Lune and her mom, throwing snowballs at her uncle’s door), guilt (maybe it was her fault, she should have told her parents), and fear (throwing up, chest is tight at the memories). I enjoyed the diversity in responses to trauma shown in the book - her father quietly speaks with her about how he hates he didn't protect her and see it as the adult, her mom screams/throws things at her uncle's door and takes Fallon out for time together frequently, her aunt avoids her trauma initially but defended Fallon as a child even if Fallon didn't see it and then apologizes to teenage Fallon while trying to better herself and restart their aunt/niece relationship. I appreciated the inclusion that people who have been sexually assaulted commonly have the response of denying/avoiding sexual assault because of what that would mean for them, but we get to see the aunt did stand up for Fallon in the way she knew how. I liked how we saw the devastation of Fallon having told an adult who she thought would help her (her aunt) and the betrayal of not being helped, especially since readers are often told to tell a trusted adult. I like that it shows that if the first adult doesn't listen, you can find another adult to listen until someone hears you and addresses the wrong. The portrayal of Fallon's anger throughout the book was a clear theme, and we see her grow as a character in recognizing and using her anger. She and readers learn to understand through the consequences of the play that the results of your actions may lead to things you did not intend, and you have to learn to live with those results. It also teaches readers the importance of using their voices but also in thinking through strategically how to use them and to offer concrete plans of action for change.
Characters: I liked that Fallon was a fallible protagonist - she storms off in anger, she ignores her friends and struggles to figure out if she's mad at them, she avoids her trauma, she protests the school play and gets it shut down by her actions and says she didn't know that would happen. She's not perfect. Liked the friendship tension with Trent/Kaia dating and the relevant struggle we often feel in feeling left behind when two of your closest friends date. Appreciated the interesting relationships Fallon had with rival-turned-friend Stella and villain-turned-maybe-ok-aunt Lune. She has supportive and loving parents and positive interactions with teachers at school. Black character (Kaia). Open discussion of potentially not being straight but not getting with anyone romantically at the end. Chronic illness (Mom, chronic fatigue syndrome). Pedophile (Uncle Geebie).
Theme: The book showcases to readers how they can learn to handle sexual assault and trauma - finding someone who will listen, being ready and able to share their story, and finding ways to heal (therapy, loved ones, different actions). The theme is also that there is joy in life and moving forward, and while there are painful memories mixed with good and bad, you can choose to tilt some and see them with joy, if you want. There is healing after sexual assault. You can choose how to think about things, where you want to go, and how you want to feel.
Illustrations: The cover is fitting - a silhouette of a girl with a river flowing behind her and swirls of gold tracing around the book like the scar on her face, with butterflies flying. There are butterflies inside the book illustrated as chapter divisions.
Design (including format, organization, etc.): OK MY BIGGEST GRIPE IS HERE - I liked that there was a content note stating that the work included physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, but the placement of the note was NOT good (it's located on top of all the book cataloging publication information, but what normal reader reads that fine print???? hello?????). I appreciated the division of the book into 3 parts - her 3 biggest secrets - and how each chapter was short and aptly named. I liked how the three biggest secrets were revealed in the chapters labeled as such (her three biggest secrets were 1) her uncle sexually assaulted her when she was five, 2) she told her aunt who didn’t do anything about it, and 3) her uncle gave her her facial scar).
Appreciated the author’s note answering if the story is based on her life (no but yes, yes because she was sexually assaulted) and encouraging those who have experienced sexual assault to reach out to someone with resources included.
No profanity/cursing (heck and mentions of a word that rhymes with witch). Mention of knife slashing a face but not violently described. No explicit sex detail. Sexual assault briefly described without being too graphic. Childhood sexual abuse. Fallon mentions considering both male/female romantic interests but does not choose either. Contains physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
"Because the first step in healing, I realized, was to find someone to listen. Sometimes that was the hardest part." (337)
" 'But maybe the lesson isn't that you shouldn't speak up when you see injustice,' Dad went on...'Maybe the lesson is, now that you know that matches set fires, you need to be more careful where and when you light them.'" (349)
Thirteen-year-old scar-on-her-face Fallon Little has three secrets. After her uncle dies, her buried trauma resurfaces and she struggles with navigating it, going to therapy and considering telling someone who will listen. At the same time, she gets the lead role in a play that carries themes she refuses to support, so she speaks out against it and as a result gets the play canceled. Her best friends Trent and Kaia start dating and she feels left out, but she begins to make friends with Stella, her old rival, after they both discover they share something in common: having experienced sexual assault. Fallon navigates family dynamics with her aunt (who shut down her concerns when Fallon told her as a child) and telling her parents the truth about her scar and her experiences. Though things appear to come crashing down with the play, friendships, and family relationships, Fallon learns and grows and is joyfully supported by her loved ones in the end.
Story: I can see this being like a childhood sexual abuse version of Speak for middle-grade/young YA readers. Its portrayal of the effects of sexual assault on a young person is important to showcase to readers of all ages, especially for pre-teens and young teens. There was a lot going on - protesting the play, struggles with her chronically ill mom, difficulty with her aunt, navigating her trauma and uncle's death, friendship drama, therapy - but that's life. But it felt like a lot to fit into one story, and the book was a tad lengthy in my opinion - I wish some parts could have been condensed. The story felt realistic in the circumstances, character decisions, and outcomes. The writing was clear and easy to read. The plot flowed naturally at a consistent pace. I cried when Fallon confronts her aunt yelling that she knew and that had happened to her aunt too, and then again when her dad talks to her about her sexual assault. I really appreciated that while there were a lot of heavy topics in this work, they were all covered carefully without gratuitous detail, AND there were so many moments of joy and silliness - getting the lead in the school play, watching movies with friends, teaching her dog to dance, putting on a fantastic skit with Kaia, and singing on the field trip to the aquarium.
Voice: It was an adjustment for me to read this middle-grade/young YA book and get used to the youngness of the voice. Fallon is thirteen and in seventh grade. Her voice definitely reflects that. She has a sense of humor, is a bit dramatic at times/huffy/quick to anger, feels the unfairness of things strongly, isn't afraid to use her voice and speak her mind and hold to her convictions, and uses sarcasm/side remarks in paratheses often. Her voice is clear and consistent throughout the work.
Style: Uses a lot of paratheses, which works well to show the early teenage year angst, sarcasm, and dry sense of humor. The repetition of certain items throughout the book was excellent. The opening pages were so good! Especially with the details about her scar, visiting the river with family, and how like the river her scar is hiding secrets. She wraps up the book in a similar fashion, talking about how rivers can be always changing and how memories are not just one thing or one feeling. You can tilt some memories a certain way, and she decides to tilt towards joy, choosing joy as she moves forward in life. I like the stylistic choice of continually referring to secrets, both in the section divisions, chapter headers, and chapter text. The repeated use of the phrases that haunt her ("You're fine, Fallon. Nothing happened. Go back to sleep.") and the lights blinking helped readers to feel and connect with her trauma responses and see how it affects her life. I also loved how the author tied in Fallon's interest in spotting movie continuity inconsistencies and connected it to how Fallon learns people are inconsistent, changing, and multiple-things-at-once in real life.
Setting: Clear setting in her small town. Nothing confusing about it. Felt consistent throughout the work.
Accuracy: Discusses the difficulty of having facial/physical scars, navigating what people think, and beauty standards in society. Fallon displays multiple natural responses to her sexual assault - triggers (Christmas lights, Christmas), avoidance (her "robot brain" after being triggered, doing things on autopilot, avoiding conversations), numbness (not remembering things, sitting in the same spot for hours), anger (breaking the Christmas lights on someone’s house because it reminds her of the night she was assaulted, yelling at Lune and her mom, throwing snowballs at her uncle’s door), guilt (maybe it was her fault, she should have told her parents), and fear (throwing up, chest is tight at the memories). I enjoyed the diversity in responses to trauma shown in the book - her father quietly speaks with her about how he hates he didn't protect her and see it as the adult, her mom screams/throws things at her uncle's door and takes Fallon out for time together frequently, her aunt avoids her trauma initially but defended Fallon as a child even if Fallon didn't see it and then apologizes to teenage Fallon while trying to better herself and restart their aunt/niece relationship. I appreciated the inclusion that people who have been sexually assaulted commonly have the response of denying/avoiding sexual assault because of what that would mean for them, but we get to see the aunt did stand up for Fallon in the way she knew how. I liked how we saw the devastation of Fallon having told an adult who she thought would help her (her aunt) and the betrayal of not being helped, especially since readers are often told to tell a trusted adult. I like that it shows that if the first adult doesn't listen, you can find another adult to listen until someone hears you and addresses the wrong. The portrayal of Fallon's anger throughout the book was a clear theme, and we see her grow as a character in recognizing and using her anger. She and readers learn to understand through the consequences of the play that the results of your actions may lead to things you did not intend, and you have to learn to live with those results. It also teaches readers the importance of using their voices but also in thinking through strategically how to use them and to offer concrete plans of action for change.
Characters: I liked that Fallon was a fallible protagonist - she storms off in anger, she ignores her friends and struggles to figure out if she's mad at them, she avoids her trauma, she protests the school play and gets it shut down by her actions and says she didn't know that would happen. She's not perfect. Liked the friendship tension with Trent/Kaia dating and the relevant struggle we often feel in feeling left behind when two of your closest friends date. Appreciated the interesting relationships Fallon had with rival-turned-friend Stella and villain-turned-maybe-ok-aunt Lune. She has supportive and loving parents and positive interactions with teachers at school. Black character (Kaia). Open discussion of potentially not being straight but not getting with anyone romantically at the end. Chronic illness (Mom, chronic fatigue syndrome). Pedophile (Uncle Geebie).
Theme: The book showcases to readers how they can learn to handle sexual assault and trauma - finding someone who will listen, being ready and able to share their story, and finding ways to heal (therapy, loved ones, different actions). The theme is also that there is joy in life and moving forward, and while there are painful memories mixed with good and bad, you can choose to tilt some and see them with joy, if you want. There is healing after sexual assault. You can choose how to think about things, where you want to go, and how you want to feel.
Illustrations: The cover is fitting - a silhouette of a girl with a river flowing behind her and swirls of gold tracing around the book like the scar on her face, with butterflies flying. There are butterflies inside the book illustrated as chapter divisions.
Design (including format, organization, etc.): OK MY BIGGEST GRIPE IS HERE - I liked that there was a content note stating that the work included physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, but the placement of the note was NOT good (it's located on top of all the book cataloging publication information, but what normal reader reads that fine print???? hello?????). I appreciated the division of the book into 3 parts - her 3 biggest secrets - and how each chapter was short and aptly named. I liked how the three biggest secrets were revealed in the chapters labeled as such (her three biggest secrets were 1) her uncle sexually assaulted her when she was five, 2) she told her aunt who didn’t do anything about it, and 3) her uncle gave her her facial scar).
Appreciated the author’s note answering if the story is based on her life (no but yes, yes because she was sexually assaulted) and encouraging those who have experienced sexual assault to reach out to someone with resources included.
No profanity/cursing (heck and mentions of a word that rhymes with witch). Mention of knife slashing a face but not violently described. No explicit sex detail. Sexual assault briefly described without being too graphic. Childhood sexual abuse. Fallon mentions considering both male/female romantic interests but does not choose either. Contains physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
"Because the first step in healing, I realized, was to find someone to listen. Sometimes that was the hardest part." (337)
" 'But maybe the lesson isn't that you shouldn't speak up when you see injustice,' Dad went on...'Maybe the lesson is, now that you know that matches set fires, you need to be more careful where and when you light them.'" (349)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
This is such a powerful, beautifully crafted book that tells the story of 13-year-old Fallon who is struggling to overcome some deep and devastating trauma while also just wanting to be a "normal" teenager.
Middle grade really is hit or miss for me. It's a tough audience to write for, I get it. You can do "too much" and create a story that is too emotionally mature, but you also don't want the story to come across as "baby'ish" (which some middle grade does). This one though...I think it does a great job of handling issues like abuse, assault, and gaslighting in an age appropriate way (which are very real issues, even if people want to pretend that they don't happen to children). Books like these are so important for the middle grade crowd so that they #1- feel seen and can find someone to identify with in the pages if they too have suffered this type of trauma, and #2- can develop empathy for their peers who may go through these heartbreaking experiences. I also loved that positive relationships were depicted in the book as well- Fallon had a great, supportive group of friends who really helped her work through the secrets she kept buried for so long.
...soooo what's the book about?
To put it briefly, it's a coming of age story about a 13-year-old girl who has a very noticeable scar running the entirty of her face. Everyone notices the scar and assumes it must have been the worst day of her life when she aquired it; however, when her Uncle Geebie dies, and long kept secrets are brought to light, we learn that there is much more to the story...more than just the physical scar. Fallon is also trying to navigate middle school while vying for a coveted part in the school play (and then learning she has some moral reservations about the play), while also sitting with her mom through her own illness and grief.
This story is an authentic and beautiful one that needs to be told. Fallon is such a well-rounded and likeable character..."real," funny, relateable. Even though the issues are heavy in this book, they are presented with care and are not graphic, while also leaving no question as to what Fallon has experienced.
I would 100% recommend this book for any middle grader (but especially girls), and I think it deserves its rightful place on library shelves!
Middle grade really is hit or miss for me. It's a tough audience to write for, I get it. You can do "too much" and create a story that is too emotionally mature, but you also don't want the story to come across as "baby'ish" (which some middle grade does). This one though...I think it does a great job of handling issues like abuse, assault, and gaslighting in an age appropriate way (which are very real issues, even if people want to pretend that they don't happen to children). Books like these are so important for the middle grade crowd so that they #1- feel seen and can find someone to identify with in the pages if they too have suffered this type of trauma, and #2- can develop empathy for their peers who may go through these heartbreaking experiences. I also loved that positive relationships were depicted in the book as well- Fallon had a great, supportive group of friends who really helped her work through the secrets she kept buried for so long.
...soooo what's the book about?
To put it briefly, it's a coming of age story about a 13-year-old girl who has a very noticeable scar running the entirty of her face. Everyone notices the scar and assumes it must have been the worst day of her life when she aquired it; however, when her Uncle Geebie dies, and long kept secrets are brought to light, we learn that there is much more to the story...more than just the physical scar. Fallon is also trying to navigate middle school while vying for a coveted part in the school play (and then learning she has some moral reservations about the play), while also sitting with her mom through her own illness and grief.
This story is an authentic and beautiful one that needs to be told. Fallon is such a well-rounded and likeable character..."real," funny, relateable. Even though the issues are heavy in this book, they are presented with care and are not graphic, while also leaving no question as to what Fallon has experienced.
I would 100% recommend this book for any middle grader (but especially girls), and I think it deserves its rightful place on library shelves!
March 27, 2026
A Scar Like a River delves into heavy topics but reads like the early-teen novel it’s supposed to be. The main character’s voice comes thru as genuine and authentic to a young teen, with grit and emotional perspectives developed from surviving multiple kinds of trauma. There were pieces of the book that were hard for me to gut through—times in which the main character’s worldview grated on my nerves. Looking back, though, that irritation likely came from how close some of that immature perspective hit to my lived and observed experience of youth. While the theme of sexual abuse was weighty, it did open the door for some discussion in my house with my own 6th and 7th graders. As part of book discussion, it became possible to raise awareness and broaden their understanding of how trauma can manifest in a way that didn’t feel forced, preachy, or awkward. I know too many women who have experienced trauma similar to what Fallon and others share in her story. Their responses and healing are as varied as they are. I appreciate that this book reflects the complexity of all of that. Still, while I feel this book was well written and has definite value, I do feel that it could be triggering to some—lancing open wounds—which seems like an unnecessary risk to take in order to absorb a work of fiction. In short, this is a story very worth reading for those who have the healthy capacity to digest it. Hats off to the author for delivering such a vulnerable story in such a balanced and honest way.
May 21, 2026
This was an excellent book... definitely check trigger warnings here but I really enjoyed this one a lot. Tackles some really tough subjects and handles them in a very realistic but careful way...I really appreciated how this wasn't dumbed down. I also loved how the kids aren't always right...but neither are the adults...and everyone takes accountability for where they went wrong instead of taking the easy "stupid kids" or "adults just don't understand" explanation of things.
I also really appreciated the chronic illness representation bere with the mom. I really appreciate that none of the main focuses of this story were happening in a vacuum and as a mom with a chronic illness...I really like how this was portrayed. And the scene with the gaslighting Dr? Pure gold ..I loved that.
The friendship issues...I don't think those were necessary with everything else that was going on in this story. It would have been nice and less distracting to just have her friends being her friends throughout...and if there was any drama I think it could have been related to the processing of trauma vs the extra elements that were thrown in here. I just think this was one thing too many and it bogged down the story for me.
But overall I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend it if it's not a triggering subject for you.
I also really appreciated the chronic illness representation bere with the mom. I really appreciate that none of the main focuses of this story were happening in a vacuum and as a mom with a chronic illness...I really like how this was portrayed. And the scene with the gaslighting Dr? Pure gold ..I loved that.
The friendship issues...I don't think those were necessary with everything else that was going on in this story. It would have been nice and less distracting to just have her friends being her friends throughout...and if there was any drama I think it could have been related to the processing of trauma vs the extra elements that were thrown in here. I just think this was one thing too many and it bogged down the story for me.
But overall I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend it if it's not a triggering subject for you.
April 13, 2026
This is a heavy, but well written story about a middle grade girl and how she is dealing with both the physical and emotional scars life has dealt her. It's written for a younger audience, but I would say it needs to be a more mature younger audience. Assault and sexual assault are prominent topics, including descriptive accounts of both. While I thought it was beautifully written in many ways and I enjoyed watching Fallon grow, it was a lot heavier than I think I mentally wanted to deal with at the time and I found myself anxious for it to be over.
July 24, 2026
This was my first book by Graff, and I really enjoyed it. She did a great job of dealing with heavy topics in a way that highlighted their irreparable damage and yet the capacity for hope to remain. Because of the conversations about sexual assault and neglect/avoidance from adults, I would suggest this book for a mature middle school or high school reader, and I think the BEST reading experience would be paired with open dialog/time for questions with parents.
Thanks to Libro.fm and their ALC program for the free listen.
Thanks to Libro.fm and their ALC program for the free listen.
August 9, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I read it a lot on a road trip instead of playing video games or something else, so that's saying something.
April 7, 2026
This was a very deep, sometimes hard book which Graff handled very thoughtfully. Even with the difficult content there were many funny parts of the book. This could definitely be triggering for some readers. Mature middle school readers could handle this.
June 3, 2026
Written very well for being a fictional story. I loved it. It felt like it was actually written like it was meant to be a true story, because I could definitely relate to what the main character is going through.
Review of advance copy
3.5?
February 10, 2026
WOW that's all I have to say.
July 14, 2026
Character-driven | Emotionally intense | Living with disability | Touches on themes of sexual assault (appeal terms from NoveList) - Emma
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