“When a wound’s that deep, it’s the healing that hurts.” ― Erin Stewart, Scars Like Wings
Some books stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart is one of those books. It tells the story of Ava, a teenager who survives a terrible fire and is left with scars on the outside and the inside. This book isn’t just about pain, though. It’s about healing, friendship, and finding a way to live again after everything changes.
In this post, I’ll explain the book’s topic, what I thought of it, and what other readers are saying. I’ll also share some quotes, spoiler-free thoughts, and a few similar books you might like.
If you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with heart, Scars Like Wings might be worth checking out. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this young adult novel stand out.
Plot Summary
The main character in this book is Ava, a teenager who survived a terrible house fire. The fire left her with serious burn scars and took away her old life, including her parents and her best friend. Now, a year later, she’s trying to go back to school and figure out how to live in a world that feels completely different.
Along the way, Ava meets Piper, another bold, loud, and completely honest teen burn survivor. Piper doesn’t let people feel sorry for her, and she encourages Ava to speak up and stop hiding. Then there’s Asad, a friendly guy who loves theater and helps bring some lightness to Ava’s life. Aunt Cora, Ava’s guardian, is trying to help her niece heal, even though she’s hurting, too.
Most of the story happens at school and in the hospital’s support group, where Ava slowly begins to deal with everything she’s been through.
Plot Progression
- Beginning: The book starts with Ava going back to high school after missing a full year. She feels nervous and out of place and wants to blend in. She doesn’t want to be known as “the burned girl,” but it’s hard to avoid the stares and whispers.
- Middle: Ava starts going to a support group where she meets Piper. At first, Piper seems too loud and wild, but she slowly becomes a real friend. Asad joins their small group too, and together they help Ava start living again. There are ups and downs—bullying at school, fights with her aunt, and hard moments in the group—but Ava begins to open up.
- End: By the end of the book, Ava starts to understand that she’s not just a survivor—she’s still a person who deserves to live a full life. She may have scars, but they don’t have to say who she is. The ending is hopeful and shows how far she’s come.
My Review
Reading Scars Like Wings was an emotional experience. I didn’t expect to connect with the characters so quickly, but their stories felt real and honest. This isn’t a fast-paced book, but that’s part of what makes it work. It takes time to sit with big feelings like grief, anger, and hope—and that makes the story more powerful.
This book made me feel a lot. Ava’s story is really emotional, and there were parts where I had to stop and take it all in. The pacing was pretty steady—never too fast, but never boring. It gave enough time to understand what Ava was going through without dragging things out.
The characters’ conversations and actions felt real for teens. Nothing felt too fake or over-the-top, which I liked. Ava, Piper, and Asad each had their voice and story. They weren’t just side characters—they had real depth and struggles.
I also thought the book respectfully showed trauma and healing. It didn’t try to “fix” Ava. Instead, it showed her slowly learning how to live again, which felt true and strong.
Things I Liked and Disliked
Liked
- The way grief and recovery were shown honestly. It didn’t feel rushed or forced.
- Piper’s loud, messy, caring energy. She brought life to every scene.
- There were small moments of humor that helped balance the pain.
Disliked
- Some of the dialogue felt a little cheesy, like something from a typical teen movie.
- A few things in the plot were a bit easy to guess, especially near the end.
Explicit Spoilers
Don’t read this part if you haven’t finished the book yet!
Piper’s backstory really surprised me and made me see her in a new way. It explained why she acted the way she did. The scene where Ava looks at her reflection for the first time in a long time hit hard. It was a big turning point for her.
Ava’s relationship with her aunt changes in a quiet but important way. The story felt honest and showed how grief affects families differently.
Overall, this book did a great job of showing what it’s like to live with loss and find your way back to life again. It was raw, emotional, and filled with real moments. If you like stories built around people and feelings, this one’s worth reading.
Ratings and Reviews of Scars Like Wings
“This is why I don’t need mirrors; I can see my reflection in the eyes of everyone around me. My face always finds me.” ― Erin Stewart, Scars Like Wings
Goodreads Rating
On Goodreads, Scars Like Wings has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on over 10,000 reader reviews. Many readers connected with the story and praised its handling of tough topics like trauma, grief, and recovery.
Goodreads Reviews
Readers on Goodreads shared some strong reactions:
- “A powerful read that doesn’t shy away from pain but also offers hope.”
- “Piper stole the show for me—chaotic, loud, and exactly what Ava needed.”
Most people appreciated the emotional depth and authenticity of the characters. Piper, in particular, stood out as a fan favorite.
Amazon Reviews
Amazon readers also had great things to say:
- “As a burn survivor, this book hit home. So real and so necessary.”
- “Perfect for fans of Five Feet Apart or Girl in Pieces.”
Some readers shared their personal experiences, saying the story felt true to life. Others said it made them think more deeply about friendship, healing, and how people treat others who look different.
What makes Scars Like Wings stand out from other young adult books is its focus on a burn survivor—something rarely seen in YA. The author does a great job of showing serious topics like grief and trauma while still including humor and moments of hope.
What Other Authors Have to Say
Well-known authors in the young adult world have shared their thoughts on Scars Like Wings, and they’ve had some powerful things to say:
- Kathleen Glasgow, author of Girl in Pieces, called it:
“A story of fierce friendship and rising from the ashes—literally.” - Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places, said:
“Heartbreaking but hopeful. A story that deserves to be heard.”
Both authors praised the book for its emotional depth and focus on friendship and healing—two themes that clearly resonated with them and many readers.
Is Reading Scars Like Wings Worth It?
Yes, it is—especially if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories. A Scar Like Wings is a strong read with a main character who feels honest and easy to relate to.
Ava’s voice sounds like a real teenager, and the way she talks about pain, friendship, and healing makes the story feel true. Even though the book covers serious topics like trauma and grief, it doesn’t feel too heavy.
Light moments, bits of humor, and strong friendships help keep the story balanced. Many readers will appreciate how the book shows healing as a slow and personal process. A few side characters could have been more developed, and some plot points near the end are a little easy to guess.
But overall, if you liked books like Girl in Pieces, All the Bright Places, or Everything, Everything, this one is worth picking up.
Similar Books If You Enjoyed Scars Like Wings
If you like Scars Like Wings, you’ll also like:
- Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
- Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King
- Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
