Scarred.

Christina Pike is a member of the Evaluation Division, Department of
Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Scarred by Monique Polak tells the story of Becky Sanger, a teen who hides a multitude of secrets. Although once considered a promising skater, Becky gave up skating and now instructs up-and-coming skaters. Behind her makeup and long sleeves, Becky hides the scars that she has inflicted on herself. Cutting herself, Becky is able to “zone out,” as she calls it, and forget the pain she finds difficult to bear. Becky doesn’t let anyone get close until she fears one of her skaters is going down the same abusive path she narrowly escaped. Out of empathy, Becky finds the strength to speak up and begin her own healing.

Monique Polak addresses a very real problem, cutting or self-mutilation.

In her story, Polak creates an entire family that is in pain and who are dysfunctional in their treatment of each other. They are trying to get help but in life’s lessons, it isn’t until the truth comes out that the healing can truly begin. This is truly a moving story that forces it readers to question family values and the danger of secrets. Highly recommended.