Kelley suffers severe burns in a car accident and which disfigure her face. She has to cope with the anger and depression of her situation, the enduring surgeries, her worries about the reactions of the outside world, and having to wear a plastic mask to aid in the healing of her face. She is also dealing with the realization that her mother was at fault in the accident.

This is one of my favorite books. I enjoy this novel because of the descriptive language that is emotion provoking. Priscilla Cummings uses extensive research as the basis of her novel. With this she is able to write with knowledge and the description. She transforms the words to create visuals and to transport the reader to feel along with Kelly while she is in the burn unit and going back to school. I got emotional when reading this novel due to the words that Priscilla Cummings uses. The novel is about Kelly and her journey of recovery after a car crash on her way to school. Kelly ends up being burned and sent to the local burn unit in Baltimore. Kelly undergoes multiple skin graphs and extensive physical therapy before being allowed to go home. Once home she struggles with her self-identity and her looks. She has a hard time seeing her old friends and accepting herself. The novel is about one girl’s ability to survive and the struggles she faces along the way. The big idea is about loving you and accepting yourself despite the thoughts of others. ( )

A story of finding inner strength. Kelly Brennan got into an almost fatal car accident when she and her mother were driving to an awards ceremony. Kelley is left to face many injuries including severely burned limbs and face. Throughout this story Kelley experiences many emotions including blame and self-pity. It takes many tough events for Kelley to realize that she is lucky to be alive though the pain makes it hard. ( )