Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart

Ava was severely burned in a house fire that killed her parents and best friend cousin. Her aunt and uncle (parents of her dead cousin) take her in as their own. Ava's life is filled with surgeries, skin grafts and more pain than anyone should have to experience. She loathes being called an inspiration for not dying.

After a year, Ava is told she can go back to school. No. Imagine facing other teens. The looks, the whispers, the insults. No way.

But she decides to give it two weeks. Will that be enough to satisfy her aunt who wants Ava to stop hiding from the world or will Ava decide that school is not so bad? It's an eventful time: a guy who seems to look past her scarred face; a drama queen who seems to hate her from the start; a potential new friend who is also a fire survivor. 

Ava’s story is full anger, sadness and hope. She wants to hide herself away forever, but must face others as she struggles to find her ‘new normal.’ Occasionally, she sees glimpses of the girl she used to be, but she also knows that girl is gone forever.

This is a story with real depth and characters that are imperfect. It is not a sad story but a girl dealing with a terrible situation. It is inspirational whether Ava likes it or not.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.