The Luckiest Scar on Earth

by Ana Maria Spagna

"This coming–of–age story will appeal to extreme sports enthusiasts, environmental activists, and fans of strong female characters."
— BOOKLIST

Fourteen–year–old Charlotte moves from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to Washington's Cascade Mountains , where she hopes to continue training for the national snowboarding championships. After her father signs an anti–development petition, she loses access to the local resort and takes to the backcountry, where she meets nature on its own terms. When adventure turns to tragedy, Charlotte learns that even our deepest scars can be lucky ones.

ANA MARIA SPAGNA lives and writes in Stehekin, Washington, a very small town in the North Cascades accessible only by foot, ferry, or float plane. She teaches creative writing in the MFA program at Antioch University, Los Angeles. Spagna writes for magazines about nature, work, and life in a small community, and is the author of several award–winning nonfiction books, including 100 Skills You'll Need for the End of the World (As We Know It) , a humor–infused guide for how to live more lightly on the planet.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade

200 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2017

About the author

Ana Maria Spagna is the author of nine books including PUSHED: Miners, a Merchant and (Maybe) a Massacre forthcoming from Torrey House Press, UPLAKE: Restless Essays of Coming and Going and the poetry chapbook, MILE MARKER SIX, as well as THE LUCKIEST SCAR ON EARTH, a novel about Charlotte, a 14-year old snowboarder. Previous books include RECLAIMERS, stories of indigenous people reclaiming sacred land and water, the memoir/history TEST RIDE ON THE SUNNYLAND BUS: A Daughter’s Civil Rights Journey, winner of the River Teeth literary nonfiction prize, and two previous collections of essays, POTLUCK, finalist for the Washington State Book Award, and NOW GO HOME, a Seattle Times Best Book of 2004.

Reviews

[Nick_C1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is a very motivational story because Charlotte has to push through many obstacles like living away from her dad for a long time and moving to Washington from Colorado. A text to world connection I saw in this book was when Charlotte and Rose were trying to save the endangered salmon that lived in the nearby creek. This reminds me of many people and organisations that try to save endangered species. An example of an organisation like this are the Gorilla Doctors. I think that the theme in this story is, you have to push through many roadblocks to get to your dream and when you face a roadblock and you fall over, you have to get back up and keep on going. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes inspirational and motivational stories.

[books_by.lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75*

[Kandi Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana Maria Spagna's main characrter, Charlott Potts, discovers that life is filled with complexity. As Charlotte learns to navigate the relationships in her own family, as well as the controversial issues that pit herself between her father and those in her community, she discovers more about herself and what she belives in. Spagna shows the conflict of interest between development, logging, farming and environmentalist without making judgements. An engaging and thought-provoking read. As a former high school English teacher, this book is highly recommended for classrooms and libraries.
2 people found this helpful.

[Kim Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heartfelt journey of a young woman getting to know he estranged dad while she discovers herself.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Read in one sitting. Perfection in storytelling.

[Jacqueline Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous characters, important questions! You'll find yourself cheering!

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story from an independent press about a snow-boarder girl who moves and gets to know her father. An environmental issue takes center place. Well developed characters with a clear voice.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of 14-year-old Charlotte took me backcountry and through the twists and turns of tough decisions, loyalties, and consequences I never saw coming. My heart raced with Charlotte, with her competitive edge and daring, and when she had a change of heart, with how she coped with the unexpected. An adventure filled with nature and soaring summits, and the permission to be our true selves, I recommend it highly.