A Face First

A Face First

By Priscilla Cummings

4 ratings 6 reviews 6 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grades 3 - 5n/a4.8n/a
Twelve-year-old Kelley is afraid she'll never be part of the "normal" world again, for a terrible car accident has left her face, leg, and hand badly burned. Waking up in the hospital disoriented and in agony, she can't remember the details of the accident. But the details of recovery soon become painfully clear to her-skin-graft operations, uncomfortable dressings, torturous hand exercises, and debridement. But worst of all is having to wear a plastic mask for at least a year so her facial skin won't grow back puffy and hard. How will she ever face the world again and make people, as her physical therapist says, "see a face first, then a mask"?

In this riveting story of a young girl's struggle to recover from catastrophic burns, Kelley discovers many things about herself, including a talent she never knew she had. Most important, she learns that although a face is the first thing one sees, a second impression can make all the difference. The author of the highly acclaimed Autumn Journey takes us on another life-changing journey-one of determination, courage, and survival.
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN-13: 9780142302477
ISBN-10: 0142302473
Published on 2/24/2003
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 197

Book Reviews (5)

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"After a catastrophic automobile accident, Kelley wakes up in the hospital to find that her face and body are severely burned. She feels isolated and alone as she agonizes through skinny raft operations, painful dressings, and hand exercise that seem like torture. But with the help of her friends and family, a kind nurse, and understanding doctors and therapist, she had is able to survive and even triumph. Then she finds out that she has to wear an ugly plastic mask so that her facial skin won't grow back puffy and hard. How will Kelley ever face the world again?" Its a very good book but I recommend it for older kids 10 or older. The book also teaches that god makes and lets things happen for a reason. The book is made by Priscilla Cummings. I got my book at ollies but I'm sure they are sold at other places too. I have no idea if its based on a true story or not but either way its a good book

It was a great book! I loved it. Two thumbs up!

I want to read this book. Sounds interesting. Are any other books by this author good? If so, which ones would you recommend? Thanks in advance x

It is a great book!

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!!!!!! It was such a great book..It's about a girl that got in a car accident. In the accident her face gets a third degree burn.

this girl has gone in and out of many surgeries. trying to hold on to hope, she battles her fears as she remembers.