84 pages • 2 hours read
Dan GemeinhartScar Island
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart, a group of troubled boys navigate survival at a decrepit reformatory school on a remote island after a lightning strike kills their adult supervisors, leading them to establish their own rules and leadership. They face intense struggles, both internal and external, as they confront their pasts and the perils of nature in a quest for redemption. Depictions of bullying, corporal punishment, and childhood trauma are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart presents a gripping, emotional story centered on a reform school for troubled boys. Readers appreciate its compelling protagonist and themes of redemption and courage. However, some feel the plot is occasionally predictable and characters lack depth. Overall, it’s praised for its strong narrative and impactful messages.
Who Should Read Scar Island?
Readers who relish the intense adventure, emotional depth, and complex characters found in Holes by Louis Sachar or Hatchet by Gary Paulsen will likely be captivated by Scar Island. This middle-grade novel appeals to those aged 9-12 who enjoy tales of survival, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
610LBook Details
Children's Literature
Action / Adventure
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed
Emotions/Behavior: Fear
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt