Cart, Michael. My Father's Scar. 1996. 204p. Simon & Schuster. $16 (0-689-80749-X).

Gr. 7-up. As Andy Logan struggles through his first year of college, he remembers events from his childhood. From his abusive father to his first love, Andy's memories take the reader on a journey through the mind of an outsider trying to find his place in the world. The flashbacks deal with hard issues about growing up that every teen can relate to and illustrate that Andy has more strength than he knows. Even when he realizes that "[he] can't fly…yet," he picks himself up and keeps on trying. By interspersing Andy's recollections with his struggles in college, Mr. Cart fills in the pieces that make Andy's life a compelling story. Mr. Cart's first young adult novel leaves the reader wanting more. This novel is good choice for teens that are struggling with their identities.