Skin

When a tiny freckle on Lexie Collins’s cheek turns out to be a rare kind of melanoma that requires surgery, she is left with a big, ugly scar across one cheek. She had just earned a spot in the state finals for public speaking, but with the scar, her confidence has vanished. She doesn’t even recognise herself anymore.

Mum and Dad keep reminding Lexie how lucky she is that she didn’t need further treatment. But Lexie doesn’t feel lucky at all. She suddenly feels ugly, unsure of herself and different from all her friends. She doesn’t want to be seen—let alone speak—in public ever again.

But when a chance encounter turns into an unexpected friendship, Lexie's feelings about her scar—and herself—slowly begin to change.

A relatable and timely story for teenagers and young adults about overcoming obstacles, navigating friendships and finding out that our worth is far more than just skin deep.