Scars

Kendra must face her past and stop hurting herself—before it's too late....

An edgy, realistic, and hopeful novel about a teen survivor of sexual abuse who uses self-harm to cope.

Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail – her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. SCARS is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.

Many teens secretly self-harm; it is often a painful, hidden issue. Cheryl Rainfield has drawn on her personal experience of self-harm, sexual abuse, and trauma/dissociation, to offer an insider perspective in SCARS.

She shows Kendra cutting for many of the same reasons that she has — to relieve unbearable emotional pain; to escape or suppress abuse memories and related overwhelming emotion; to not kill herself; to shut herself up; to try to feel better; to silently cry out for help; and to punish herself. Although cutting hurt Cheryl, it also helped her survive.

"Scars is a brave novel, a read-in-one-sitting-except-when-you-have-to-put-it-down-to-breathe novel."
-- Ellen Hopkins, author of Burned, a National Book Award nominee and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and Glass, an ALA Top Ten Book for Young Adults

"Scars is a painful and well told story, obviously written with the heart's blood of the author. It could prove to be a life-saver for other young victims of abuse and self-harm."
-- Lois Duncan, Margaret A. Edwards Award-winning author of Killing Mr. Griffinand I Know What You Did Last Summer

"Scars is the 'must' read for any teen. I couldn't put it down."
-- Gail Giles, author of Right Behind You, a 2009 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

"Rainfield's gripping, chillingly honest account of an abused teen's fight to survive her history, and its consequent self-harm, is written with such compassion and empathy that this is ultimately a story of hope."
-- Wendy Orr, author of Peeling the Onion

"Scars is a beautifully written, deeply compassionate story of sexual abuse, cutting, and the process of recovery from both. I expected a harsh, bitter rage, but instead found a warm, embracing voice. Anger is there, yes, along with terror, but what a surprise to read such an uplifting book about such devastating issues! Those who have been victims will find a realistic portrayal of abuse and self-harm, but also a heartfelt understanding and an encouraging journey toward healing. Others will simply be glad they read this book and learned so much from such a generous teacher."
-- Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson, author of Target, Gone, and A Fast and Brutal Wing

"Scars is an engrossing, frightening, suspenseful and utterly realistic portrayal of cutting as a girl's outlet to deal with the horror of sexual abuse. Rainfield beautifully captures the power of redemptive love required of survivors to move beyond trauma to inner strength and peace. A must-read for teens and those who care deeply about them."
-- Julie Anne Peters, author of Luna, Rage: A Love Story, and By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead

"A gripping fast-paced young adult novel that explores the complex dynamics that have led to an epidemic of cutting and self-injury. A realistic, yet hopeful read,Scars provides young people with a powerful role model in 15-year-old Kendra Marshall--a struggling abuse survivor who emerges at the novel's end having found strength, community and a pathway to healing."
-- Laura Davis, co-author of The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, 20th Anniversary Edition

"An important and necessary book for young people struggling with abuse, cutting, sexual orientation and building a healthy life. We all need to see our lives reflected in the books we read. Cheryl Rainfield has made a meaningful contribution with Scars. I hope this story reaches all the young people who need it."
-- Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, 20th Anniversary Edition

"Kendra's journey will tug your heartstrings and have you holding your breath at the same time. Cheryl Rainfield's deeply emotional novel is a must read."
-- Marlene Perez, author of Dead Is the New Black