Ashes and Aftermath

One year after a devastating house fire, sixteen-year-old Ava Lee is left orphaned, scarred over sixty percent of her body, and living with her aunt and uncle. The fire took her parents and cousin, Sara, leaving Ava physically and emotionally shattered. She's spent the year in hospitals, surgeries, and isolation, hiding behind a plastic mask and compression garments. Her aunt Cora, desperate for Ava to rejoin the world, pushes her to return to high school. Ava, haunted by survivor's guilt and self-loathing, dreads facing a world that recoils from her scars. The chapter sets the tone of loss, trauma, and the daunting challenge of rebuilding a life from the ashes, as Ava reluctantly agrees to a two-week trial at a new school.

The Mask Comes Off

With her mask finally removed, Ava is forced to confront her altered appearance. Cora's well-meaning attempts to prepare Ava for school—shopping for bags, clothes, and even wigs—highlight the chasm between "normal" and Ava's new existence. The nightly ritual of lotioning her scars and donning compression garments is both a comfort and a reminder of her difference. Memories of her parents and cousin linger in the room she now occupies, filled with Sara's belongings. Cora's hope for Ava's reintegration is palpable, but Ava's plan is simple: disappear, avoid attention, and survive the next ten days. The emotional weight of being an orphan and an outsider is ever-present, as Ava steels herself for the challenge ahead.

First Day, New Scars

Arriving early to avoid crowds, Ava is immediately confronted by stares, whispers, and the unspoken rules of teenage survival. The principal and vice principal, awkward and well-intentioned, offer little comfort, emphasizing "no special treatment" while making her difference glaringly obvious. Ava's headphones—her shield against the world—are banned, leaving her exposed. The hallways are a gauntlet of reactions: revulsion, pity, avoidance, and condescension. In class, her scars and fused hand draw attention and discomfort. A boy named Asad offers a clueless but genuine thumbs-up, a rare moment of unfiltered curiosity. Ava's plan to fade into the background is immediately challenged by the relentless visibility of her scars.

Surviving the Gauntlet

The school day is a relentless barrage of stares, whispers, and cruel nicknames. Ava's attempts to blend in are thwarted by her appearance, which makes her the center of unwanted attention. Memories of her old friends and the comfort of belonging intensify her sense of loss. At lunch, she hides backstage, overhearing girls mock her as "Freddy Krueger." The pain of being reduced to "the Burned Girl" is acute, and Ava's sense of self is fractured. Yet, a glimmer of resilience emerges as she endures the day, determined to survive, even if it means remaining invisible and alone.

Piper's Entrance

After a grueling first day, Ava is forced to attend a burn survivors' support group. There, she meets Piper, a vibrant, wheelchair-using girl with her own burn scars and a sharp wit. Piper's irreverence and humor cut through the heaviness, and she immediately challenges Ava's isolation. The group's focus on the power of words—victim, survivor, strong—sparks reflection in Ava. Piper's offer of friendship is both unexpected and unsettling, as Ava is wary of charity and pity. Yet, Piper's insistence that "no one survives high school alone" plants the seed for a genuine connection, hinting at the possibility of healing through shared experience.

Scars and Support

Cora is overjoyed at Ava's budding friendship with Piper, but Ava remains guarded. Piper's visit to Ava's room—still a shrine to Sara—reveals the depth of Ava's grief and displacement. The girls bond over their shared experiences of trauma, loss, and the absurdities of recovery. They trade stories of cruel nicknames and the empty platitudes of "inspiration" and "miracle." Humor becomes their armor, and for the first time, Ava feels less alone. The chapter explores the complexities of survivor's guilt, the longing for the past, and the tentative steps toward letting someone in.

Finding Friendship

With Piper by her side, Ava finds the courage to face the lunchroom and the hallways. Their alliance lessens the sting of stares and whispers, and they form a small community of "misfit toys." Asad, the boy from science class, becomes a quirky addition to their group, bringing levity and acceptance. The trio's banter and shared outsider status create a sense of belonging. Yet, the specter of bullying and exclusion remains, embodied by Kenzie, the school's queen bee. The chapter highlights the transformative power of friendship and the slow rebuilding of self-worth.

The Power of Words

The support group delves into the impact of language—how labels like "victim" or "survivor" shape identity. Ava grapples with the words used to describe her, both by others and herself. Piper's unapologetic embrace of her scars and her "phoenix" tattoo inspire Ava to reconsider her own story. The girls experiment with wigs, makeup, and humor as acts of defiance and self-expression. A disastrous yearbook photo session forces Ava to confront the temptation of erasing her scars through Photoshop, ultimately rejecting the false comfort of a "better" face. The chapter underscores the importance of self-definition and authenticity.

Lunchroom Alliances

Encouraged by Piper and Asad, Ava joins the drama club, initially as backstage crew. The theater becomes a space of possibility and fear, as Ava confronts her longing for her old life as a performer. The club's eccentric director, Tony, and the tradition of the "circle of trust" challenge Ava's comfort zone. Asad's unwavering support and Piper's relentless encouragement push Ava to consider auditioning for a role. The dynamics with Kenzie and her clique intensify, setting the stage for conflict and growth. The chapter explores the tension between hiding and stepping into the spotlight.

Pink Hair, New Hope

Piper convinces Ava to debut a hot-pink wig, a bold statement that draws attention but also empowers her. The wig becomes a symbol of reclaiming agency and embracing difference. Asad's playful banter and genuine friendship deepen, while Cora and Glenn's sacrifices—selling Sara's dolls to fund Ava's surgery—underscore the theme of chosen family. Ava's decision to undergo reconstructive surgery on her eyes marks a turning point, as she dares to hope for a future beyond survival. The chapter is a celebration of small victories, self-expression, and the courage to be seen.

Drama Club Trials

As Ava prepares for her audition, she faces obstacles: financial strain, self-doubt, and the ever-present threat of bullying from Kenzie. Surgery looms, promising both hope and risk. Piper's own struggles with recovery and identity mirror Ava's journey, and their friendship is tested by secrets and misunderstandings. The drama club becomes a microcosm of high school's challenges—competition, jealousy, and the longing for acceptance. Ava's eventual audition, supported by her friends, is a triumph of vulnerability and strength. The chapter explores the interplay of fear, ambition, and the healing power of art.

The Kenzie Conflict

Kenzie's campaign to oust Ava from the play escalates, culminating in a cruel viral photo and a rigged costume contest. The school's administration is ineffectual, and Ava is forced to defend herself with the help of Tony, Asad, and Piper. The drama club rallies around Ava, exposing Kenzie's actions and affirming Ava's place in the community. The conflict reveals the hidden scars of others—Kenzie's own trauma and guilt—and the destructive power of shame and blame. The chapter is a reckoning with the realities of bullying, the limits of institutional support, and the necessity of solidarity.

Yearbook and Photoshop

The yearbook photo debacle resurfaces Ava's deepest insecurities. Offered the chance to erase her scars through digital editing, Ava rejects the illusion, choosing authenticity over false perfection. The experience crystallizes her understanding that healing is not about returning to "before," but about integrating the past into a new self. The chapter is a meditation on visibility, self-acceptance, and the courage to be seen as you are.

The Audition Decision

With her surgery approved and her friends' support, Ava decides to audition for a role in the school play. The process is fraught with anxiety, but also hope. Cora's encouragement and Piper's unwavering belief in Ava's talent propel her forward. The audition is both a literal and metaphorical leap—a reclaiming of her voice and her place in the world. The chapter is a testament to the power of community, the importance of risk, and the possibility of transformation.

Surgery and Setbacks

Ava's reconstructive surgery is both a physical and emotional ordeal. The darkness of recovery echoes her earlier trauma, but this time she is surrounded by support—Cora, Glenn, Asad, and Piper. The process is slow and painful, but the results—a more familiar face, a sense of agency—are profound. Piper's own struggles intensify, culminating in a suicide attempt that shakes Ava to her core. The chapter explores the fragility of recovery, the reality of mental health struggles, and the necessity of reaching out.

Piper's Darkness

Piper's overdose forces Ava to confront the limits of her ability to "fix" others. Guilt, anger, and helplessness swirl as Ava visits Piper in the hospital, grappling with the reality that love cannot always save someone from their pain. The support group, once a source of comfort, now feels inadequate. Ava's journey home—both literal and metaphorical—leads her to confront her own trauma, the loss of her family, and the truth about her survival. The chapter is a raw exploration of grief, responsibility, and the slow work of healing.

Breaking Points

Ava's return to the site of her burned home, guided by Dr. Layne, becomes a moment of reckoning. She learns that she jumped from the window, choosing life in a moment of terror. The realization that she has agency—even in the face of unimaginable loss—shifts her perspective. Encounters with her neighbor and Dr. Layne reinforce the interconnectedness of survival and the importance of letting people in. Ava's reconciliation with Cora and Glenn, and her decision to get a phoenix tattoo, symbolize her acceptance of both her scars and her capacity for renewal.

Phoenix Rising

Piper returns to school, fragile but determined. Ava stands by her, refusing to let her face the aftermath alone. The truth about the anonymous bullying texts is revealed—Piper sent them to herself, a manifestation of her internalized pain and self-hatred. The confrontation is raw and painful, but ultimately leads to a breakthrough in their friendship. Together, they face the school, the play, and the future, stronger for having survived the darkness. The chapter is a celebration of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of chosen family.

The Play's Spotlight

Opening night of the school play is both a culmination and a new beginning. Ava, in her Glinda costume and a wig reminiscent of her old self, stands in the spotlight, buoyed by the support of Cora, Glenn, Asad, and Piper. The audience's initial gasp gives way to a wave of cell phone lights—stars in the darkness—symbolizing acceptance and solidarity. Ava sings, her voice strong and clear, embracing her scars as wings. The chapter is a triumphant affirmation of identity, community, and the possibility of joy after trauma.

Choosing to Live

In the aftermath of the play, Ava reflects on her journey from survivor to thriver. She recognizes that healing is ongoing, that scars—visible and invisible—are part of her story, but not its entirety. Her relationships with Cora, Glenn, Piper, and Asad are deeper and more authentic. The support group, burn camp, and the tattoo are symbols of her commitment to living fully. Ava's final realization is that home is not a place, but the people who love and accept her. The story ends with hope, resilience, and the promise of flight.

Characters

Ava Lee

Ava is a sixteen-year-old girl whose life is irrevocably changed by a house fire that kills her parents and cousin, leaving her with severe burns and deep psychological scars. Orphaned and living with her aunt and uncle, Ava is haunted by survivor's guilt, self-loathing, and the loss of her former identity. Her journey is one of reluctant reintegration, as she navigates the minefield of high school, the complexities of friendship, and the slow process of healing. Ava's wit and resilience are matched by her vulnerability and fear of rejection. Over the course of the story, she moves from isolation to connection, learning to accept her scars as part of her story rather than its definition. Her relationships with Piper, Asad, Cora, and Glenn are central to her transformation, as she learns that true belonging comes from letting others in.

Piper

Piper is a fellow burn survivor, wheelchair user, and Ava's first real friend after the fire. Outspoken, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, Piper refuses to let her injuries define her, embracing bold fashion choices and a phoenix tattoo as symbols of her resilience. Beneath her bravado, Piper struggles with her own trauma, guilt over a car accident, and feelings of abandonment. Her friendship with Ava is both a lifeline and a source of conflict, as their codependency and unspoken pain come to a head. Piper's suicide attempt is a pivotal moment, forcing both girls to confront the limits of their strength and the necessity of vulnerability. Piper's journey mirrors Ava's, as she learns to accept help, forgive herself, and believe in the possibility of happiness.

Cora

Cora, Ava's aunt and Sara's mother, is a pillar of strength and optimism, determined to help Ava heal and build a new life. Her relentless positivity masks her own grief and guilt over the loss of her daughter. Cora's efforts to create a sense of normalcy—through routines, support groups, and even selling Sara's dolls to fund Ava's surgery—are both loving and, at times, overwhelming. Her relationship with Ava is fraught with the tension of unmet expectations and the impossibility of replacing what was lost. Over time, Cora learns to let go of control, accept Ava as she is, and embrace their new, imperfect family.

Glenn

Glenn, Cora's husband and Ava's uncle, is a gentle, hardworking man who provides stability and unconditional support. His resemblance to Ava's mother is a source of both comfort and pain. Glenn's love is expressed through actions rather than words—working extra hours, helping Ava with daily tasks, and offering quiet wisdom. He is instrumental in helping Ava see her worth and place in the family, reminding her that she is "grafted into their hearts." Glenn's presence is a reminder that healing often comes from simple, steadfast love.

Asad

Asad is a drama club lighting manager and one of the first students to treat Ava with genuine kindness. His quirky humor, love of Broadway, and outsider status make him a natural ally for Ava and Piper. Asad's own struggles—with bullying, cultural expectations, and unrequited feelings for Piper—add depth to his character. He is a bridge between worlds, helping Ava navigate the complexities of high school and encouraging her to step into the spotlight. Asad's friendship is a model of acceptance, loyalty, and the courage to be oneself.

Kenzie

Kenzie is the popular, influential leader of the drama club and a former friend of Piper. Her outward confidence masks deep insecurity, guilt over a car accident, and the pain of lost friendship. Kenzie's bullying of Ava and Piper is both a defense mechanism and a manifestation of her own self-loathing. Her eventual confession and apology mark a turning point, revealing the hidden scars that drive her behavior. Kenzie's arc is a cautionary tale about the corrosive power of shame and the possibility of redemption.

Dr. Layne

Dr. Layne is the burn unit psychologist and a burn survivor herself. Her empathy, directness, and lived experience make her a trusted guide for Ava and the support group. Dr. Layne challenges Ava to confront her pain, own her story, and let others in. Her interventions—both gentle and firm—are crucial in helping Ava and Piper navigate their darkest moments. Dr. Layne embodies the message that healing is possible, but only through honesty, connection, and the willingness to choose life.

Sara

Sara, Cora's daughter and Ava's closest friend, dies in the fire but remains a powerful presence in Ava's life. Her room, belongings, and memory are both a comfort and a source of pain, symbolizing the life Ava can never return to. Sara's absence shapes Ava's relationships with Cora, Glenn, and herself, fueling both guilt and longing. The process of letting go of Sara—through rituals, redecorating, and remembrance—is central to Ava's journey toward acceptance.

Mr. Lynch

Mr. Lynch is the school's vice principal, initially rigid and unsympathetic, but ultimately revealed as a quietly supportive figure. His insistence on "no special treatment" is both a challenge and a protection for Ava. Over time, he becomes an unexpected ally, advocating for Ava during moments of crisis and reminding her that "everyone has scars." Mr. Lynch represents the imperfect but necessary role of authority figures in the healing process.

Tony

Tony is the student director of the school play, a larger-than-life figure who demands authenticity and commitment from his cast and crew. His "circle of trust" rituals and dramatic flair push Ava out of her comfort zone. Tony's belief in Ava's talent and his willingness to stand up for her against bullying are instrumental in her transformation. He embodies the power of art to heal, challenge, and unite.

Plot Devices

Survivor's Guilt and Identity

The narrative is driven by Ava's struggle with survivor's guilt, self-loathing, and the search for identity after trauma. The fire is both a literal and metaphorical inciting incident, fracturing Ava's sense of self and belonging. The story uses flashbacks, therapy sessions, and poetry journal entries to explore the psychological aftermath of trauma. The motif of masks—both physical and emotional—recurs throughout, symbolizing the tension between hiding and being seen.

Friendship as Healing

The plot hinges on the formation, testing, and repair of friendships—especially between Ava and Piper. Their bond is forged through shared pain, humor, and mutual support, but is also threatened by jealousy, codependency, and the limits of empathy. The support group, drama club, and family relationships serve as microcosms of the larger theme: healing is only possible through connection, vulnerability, and the willingness to let others in.

The Power of Words and Performance

The story foregrounds the impact of words—labels, insults, affirmations—on identity and self-worth. The drama club and the school play are both literal and symbolic stages for Ava's journey, offering opportunities for risk, self-expression, and transformation. The motif of the phoenix, the act of singing, and the final performance are all plot devices that externalize Ava's internal growth.

Bullying, Blame, and Forgiveness

The antagonism with Kenzie, the viral photo, and the anonymous bullying texts are plot devices that externalize the internal battles of shame, blame, and the longing for acceptance. The eventual exposure of the truth, the confrontation in the hallway, and the acts of forgiveness are turning points that allow for healing and growth—not just for Ava, but for the entire community.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

The narrative is rich with symbolism: scars as both wounds and wings, stars as hope and memory, the phoenix as rebirth. The recurring references to "home," the motif of flight, and the use of light and darkness foreshadow Ava's journey from isolation to connection, from survival to thriving.

Analysis

"Scars Like Wings" is a powerful exploration of trauma, identity, and the long, nonlinear path to healing. Erin Stewart's novel confronts the realities of surviving catastrophic loss—not just the physical scars, but the invisible wounds of grief, guilt, and alienation. Through Ava's journey, the story interrogates the societal obsession with "inspiration" and "miracles," challenging the notion that survival alone is heroic. Instead, it posits that true courage lies in vulnerability, in the willingness to be seen and to let others in. The novel's depiction of friendship is nuanced and honest, acknowledging the messiness of codependency, jealousy, and the limits of empathy. The interplay of art, language, and performance becomes a vehicle for transformation, allowing Ava to reclaim her voice and agency. The book's modern relevance is profound: it addresses bullying, mental health, and the pressures of social media, while offering a hopeful vision of community and self-acceptance. Ultimately, "Scars Like Wings" teaches that healing is not about erasing the past, but about integrating it—wearing your scars not as marks of shame, but as wings that carry you forward.

Last updated: August 28, 2025