Life in a Fishbowl

I'll Be the One

Ten Miles Past Normal

The Chance to Fly

Beyond the Music: The Bono Story (ZonderKidz Biography)

The Last Holiday Concert

Rani Patel in Full Effect

Give Me Some Truth

The Scar Boys

A severely burned teenager. A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock 'n' roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world...even if you carry scars inside and out.

In attempting to describe himself in his college application essay--help us to become acquainted with you beyond your courses, grades, and test scores--Harbinger (Harry) Jones goes way beyond the 250-word limit and gives a full account of his life.

The first defining moment: the day the neighborhood goons tied him to a tree during a lightning storm when he was 8 years old, and the tree was struck and caught fire. Harry was badly burned and has had to live with the physical and emotional scars, reactions from strangers, bullying, and loneliness that instantly became his everyday reality.

The second defining moment: the day in 8th grade when the handsome, charismatic Johnny rescued him from the bullies and then made the startling suggestion that they start a band together. Harry discovered that playing music transported him out of his nightmare of a world, and he finally had something that compelled people to look beyond his physical appearance. Harry's description of his life in his essay is both humorous and heart-wrenching. He had a steeper road to climb than the average kid, but he ends up learning something about personal power, friendship, first love, and how to fit in the world. While he's looking back at the moments that have shaped his life, most of this story takes place while Harry is in high school and the summer after he graduates.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

Life in a Fishbowl

Len Vlahos, 2017

I'll Be the One

Lyla Lee, 2020

Ten Miles Past Normal

Frances O'roark Dowell, 2011

The Chance to Fly

Ali Stroker, Stacy Davidowitz, 2021

Beyond the Music: The Bono Story (ZonderKidz Biography)

Kim Washburn, 2011

The Last Holiday Concert

Andrew Clements, 2004

Rani Patel in Full Effect

Sonia Patel, 2016

Give Me Some Truth

Eric Gansworth, 2018