SCAR TOWN BY TRISTAN BANCKS

Friends Will, Dar and Juno live in a town that seems to have given up hope. It was meant to be new and shiny and the perfect replacement for the dilapidated Scarborough. The old town was flooded, a damn built and a new beginning was underway. Unfortunately, the dream never came a reality and now Will and his mum, are stuck in Scar Town, weighed under by financial chaos and a failing business. They must also live with the heavy burden of unanswered questions about Will’s father’s disappearance seven years ago.

The damn is leaking and as the water level lowers, a house in the old township is slowly revealed. Will and his friends decide to explore the ruin and discover things that will change their lives forever. As well as answering some important questions.

Told in first person from Will’s point of view, readers are drawn into a life that just about struggles through. Will and his mum, along with Pops and Uncle Monty, exist without much joy. When the catalyst hits, family relationships, friendships and personal misconceptions are thrown into disarray. Tristan Bancks has given Middle Grade readers a real page-turner, with characters that are very relatable. The themes of family, loyalty, friendships and social attitudes are all played out in this great thriller.

For Ages: 10 - 13 years

Number of Pages: 256

Published: August 2023 Puffin Books

Themes: Family, friendship and ethical decisions

Purchase here: Scar Town by Tristan Bancks