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Skin Deep
Scarlett was gifted with beauty. But beauty can be taken in a day, in a single moment, by one car fire.
Now permanently disfigured, Scarlett has become a smudge in her perfect world. She can see only one acceptable solution: to escape the modern world for Matilda Mountain, which is desolate, isolated, forlorn. Perfect.
But mountains are not always as lonely as they appear. And unexpected friendships can be found in the wilderness. Friendships that challenge her ideas about perfection and her place in the world.
Can Scarlett break free from the confines of her beauty-obsessed culture to discover who she is beyond the layers of her skin?
Now permanently disfigured, Scarlett has become a smudge in her perfect world. She can see only one acceptable solution: to escape the modern world for Matilda Mountain, which is desolate, isolated, forlorn. Perfect.
But mountains are not always as lonely as they appear. And unexpected friendships can be found in the wilderness. Friendships that challenge her ideas about perfection and her place in the world.
Can Scarlett break free from the confines of her beauty-obsessed culture to discover who she is beyond the layers of her skin?
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
20 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Lawrence
6 books41 followersHayley Lawrence worked as a lawyer in a commercial firm in Sydney before trading city life for the coast when she married a pilot. Hayley and her husband had many adventures while she worked for a small law firm on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. They now have five vivacious daughters who continue to bring immense joy and utter mayhem to their life.
Despite leaving legal work, Hayley could not leave behind the stories of the people she’d encountered. They are stories that provoke questions about the nature of humanity, and it’s these questions that haunt her novels.
Despite leaving legal work, Hayley could not leave behind the stories of the people she’d encountered. They are stories that provoke questions about the nature of humanity, and it’s these questions that haunt her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 6, 2022
Scarlett’s dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer were taken away when she received burns to 40% of her body in a car accident. She used to be strong. She used to be graceful. She used to be beautiful.
There is so much loss in here for Scarlett. She placed so much of her self-worth and identity in what she looked like, and once it’s gone she has no way to cope. And the expectations placed on her on how to act, and the changes on all her interactions get too much, so she decides they need to live with no other people around on a mountain.
There are some great conversations in here with her dad, who you can tell is trying so hard, but sometimes there are no right answers.
It was great to see Scarlett finally start to come back to herself and do some much needed healing while going a little bit wild on a mountain. It’s quite a hopeful journey, with lots of healing and re-examining taking place, but still seems realistic without becoming overburdened.
There is so much loss in here for Scarlett. She placed so much of her self-worth and identity in what she looked like, and once it’s gone she has no way to cope. And the expectations placed on her on how to act, and the changes on all her interactions get too much, so she decides they need to live with no other people around on a mountain.
There are some great conversations in here with her dad, who you can tell is trying so hard, but sometimes there are no right answers.
It was great to see Scarlett finally start to come back to herself and do some much needed healing while going a little bit wild on a mountain. It’s quite a hopeful journey, with lots of healing and re-examining taking place, but still seems realistic without becoming overburdened.
April 17, 2025
Woah! What a book.
Scarlett had what most would think ‘it all’, until a car accident left her disfigured.
Aged fourteen years old, eighteen months since the accident, the trauma now more emotional than physical.
School, friendships, family, self-perception and the future are all pressing down on Scarlett.
Told in the first person, switching between then and now, the reader rides with Scarlett and her father as they take a break at Matilda’s Mountain.
I genuinely loved this book.
Released during Covid, this book slipped into the world without fanfare.
Publisher, Scholastic recommend this book for readers twelve plus years old.
I would say this makes a great read for confident readers with high potential from year 6 upwards.
Author, Hayley Lawrence has this book and ’Inside the tiger’ and ‘The other side of tomorrow’ all listed on the years 7-9 Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Scarlett had what most would think ‘it all’, until a car accident left her disfigured.
Aged fourteen years old, eighteen months since the accident, the trauma now more emotional than physical.
School, friendships, family, self-perception and the future are all pressing down on Scarlett.
Told in the first person, switching between then and now, the reader rides with Scarlett and her father as they take a break at Matilda’s Mountain.
I genuinely loved this book.
Released during Covid, this book slipped into the world without fanfare.
Publisher, Scholastic recommend this book for readers twelve plus years old.
I would say this makes a great read for confident readers with high potential from year 6 upwards.
Author, Hayley Lawrence has this book and ’Inside the tiger’ and ‘The other side of tomorrow’ all listed on the years 7-9 Premier’s Reading Challenge.
August 2, 2021
This book follows the story of teenaged Scarlett, who suffered horrific burns to the top half of her body after a car accident. Given how teens are often bullied over the smallest things, you can just imagine how hard school and social settings are for her.
Scarlett and her dad take off to a mountain retreat to give Scarlet a break from the scrutiny. It is there, in the wilderness, that Scarlett can begin to see herself as the wildly daring girl she is.
I enjoyed the writing and the way the ‘before’ the accident and ‘after’ the accident sections are woven together. I also enjoyed that self-esteem and acceptance weren’t wrapped up in a neat little package - it’s always a work in progress. It has a really strong message and I would highly recommend to any teenagers, but girls especially (I very much agree with society’s different use of language between boys and girls, placing a heavy importance of beauty on your girls).
Thank you to Scholastic for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett and her dad take off to a mountain retreat to give Scarlet a break from the scrutiny. It is there, in the wilderness, that Scarlett can begin to see herself as the wildly daring girl she is.
I enjoyed the writing and the way the ‘before’ the accident and ‘after’ the accident sections are woven together. I also enjoyed that self-esteem and acceptance weren’t wrapped up in a neat little package - it’s always a work in progress. It has a really strong message and I would highly recommend to any teenagers, but girls especially (I very much agree with society’s different use of language between boys and girls, placing a heavy importance of beauty on your girls).
Thank you to Scholastic for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t really feeling it and was close to giving up on it
But then … the tables turned and I really enjoyed it, a lot of interesting events and loved all the character
This book had such a great message about how it does not matter about how you look on the outside - whatever’s on the inside is what counts
But then … the tables turned and I really enjoyed it, a lot of interesting events and loved all the character
This book had such a great message about how it does not matter about how you look on the outside - whatever’s on the inside is what counts
February 28, 2022
Once again, another book has tugged and torn apart my heartstrings. Can't recommend this enough.
September 26, 2022
Gracefully written novel about a scarred girl who goes to the mountains to get away from society's idea about beauty and finds herself (and new friends) along the way. The way she changes and develops is really well done and the ending was hopeful and heartwarming.
Challenges how we view beautiful (versus pretty)
Challenges how we view beautiful (versus pretty)
August 16, 2025
I was sceptical about this book at the beginning, but the end really made up for it. I loved the story of Scarlett and her journey to accepting her scars. This was a bit of a different read for me, but I loved it all the same 💕💕💕
July 22, 2022
Skin deep was a deeply meaningful book, however it crosses themes that may be confronting for readers.
March 26, 2022
At 13, Scarlett was a gifted and beautiful dancer, popular at school with girls and boys alike. However, after surviving a fire as a result of a dreadful car accident she is permanently scarred across her upper body and face. She has also lost most of her upper body and arm strength form loss of muscles.
The exploration of the Scarlett's struggles through past therapy and present anguish are cleverly presented through the use of short synopsis and thought pieces titled Before and After interspersed through the present day narrative. the first person voice remains stoic and at times clinical, and for all the emotional moments, Lawrence has done an admirable job to avoid sentimentality and the need for a box of tissues. The representation of the different family members and the new community met on the mountain adds variety and interest, and Scarlett's' perspectives on the various characters adds greatly to the story. This is particularly true of her Dad and Eamon, but the reader is provided with enough information to form their own opinions and query some Scarlett's judgements.
This book far surpassed my expectations - an excellent and memorable read that explores a number of moral and emotional issues and dilemmas in a realistic and authentic style without becoming an emotional and exhausting read. Highly recommended for teenagers that enjoy realistic contemporary YA fiction.
A 2022 CBCA Notable for Older Readers - excellent choice
The exploration of the Scarlett's struggles through past therapy and present anguish are cleverly presented through the use of short synopsis and thought pieces titled Before and After interspersed through the present day narrative. the first person voice remains stoic and at times clinical, and for all the emotional moments, Lawrence has done an admirable job to avoid sentimentality and the need for a box of tissues. The representation of the different family members and the new community met on the mountain adds variety and interest, and Scarlett's' perspectives on the various characters adds greatly to the story. This is particularly true of her Dad and Eamon, but the reader is provided with enough information to form their own opinions and query some Scarlett's judgements.
This book far surpassed my expectations - an excellent and memorable read that explores a number of moral and emotional issues and dilemmas in a realistic and authentic style without becoming an emotional and exhausting read. Highly recommended for teenagers that enjoy realistic contemporary YA fiction.
A 2022 CBCA Notable for Older Readers - excellent choice
September 26, 2023
Scarlett, a 14 year old high school student, was involved in a horrific accident which changed the course of her short life. In an instant, Scarlett’s world was turned upside down, forcing her to fight for her life and face a perfect world through an imperfect lens.
Scarlett is left questioning her friendships, her place in the world and her ideas of beauty which were the foundations of her life before the accident. When life gets too difficult, Scarlett’s dad agrees to take her on a short break with a visit to the remote location of Matilda mountain. Although Scarlett expects an isolated holiday, a chance meeting with Eamon opens her eyes to the beauty that surrounds her, however imperfect it is. Dairy doesn’t always equate to perfection.
There were vibes of ‘wonder’ throughout this book, with themes of beauty, trauma and acceptance woven though our the story, but appealing to an older audience. I loved the alternating chapters and the clever links between between each chapters end and the next chapters beginning.
Although somewhat predictable, this story delves into important issues and can be quite confronting when one reflects on society’s pressure to conform, look and behave a certain way.
Ideal for Year 6 and above.
Scarlett is left questioning her friendships, her place in the world and her ideas of beauty which were the foundations of her life before the accident. When life gets too difficult, Scarlett’s dad agrees to take her on a short break with a visit to the remote location of Matilda mountain. Although Scarlett expects an isolated holiday, a chance meeting with Eamon opens her eyes to the beauty that surrounds her, however imperfect it is. Dairy doesn’t always equate to perfection.
There were vibes of ‘wonder’ throughout this book, with themes of beauty, trauma and acceptance woven though our the story, but appealing to an older audience. I loved the alternating chapters and the clever links between between each chapters end and the next chapters beginning.
Although somewhat predictable, this story delves into important issues and can be quite confronting when one reflects on society’s pressure to conform, look and behave a certain way.
Ideal for Year 6 and above.
June 1, 2024
“But if scars are stories, then I need to wear mine the same was Dad wears his tattoos. They belong to me now. I own them as much as I own myself.”
A story of learning to find beauty in imperfections.
We follow 14 year old Scarlett as she navigates life after being badly burnt, no longer “pretty and perfect”, she’s lost, feels isolated and doesn’t know how to go on with life.
This explored how escaping to nature can truly help overcome challenges and change your perspective - it really is such a powerful thing and something that I find really grounding whenever things get tough.
The relationship Scarlett has with her dad and his teachings and encouragement were perfect as a parent and the bond between herself and Eamon was something special - another thing I believe is that people come to us at certain moments in our lives, right when we need them, something that’s meant to be and meant to happen. I’ve found this with my beautiful friend @read.by.the.librarian ❤️
I loved watching Scarlett grow, learn and move through the loss and change that life threw at her, her growth was beautiful and there are so many lessons to takeaway from this beautiful book.
A great book to pass on to your teenagers and anyone who may be struggling with body image in any type of way.
A story of learning to find beauty in imperfections.
We follow 14 year old Scarlett as she navigates life after being badly burnt, no longer “pretty and perfect”, she’s lost, feels isolated and doesn’t know how to go on with life.
This explored how escaping to nature can truly help overcome challenges and change your perspective - it really is such a powerful thing and something that I find really grounding whenever things get tough.
The relationship Scarlett has with her dad and his teachings and encouragement were perfect as a parent and the bond between herself and Eamon was something special - another thing I believe is that people come to us at certain moments in our lives, right when we need them, something that’s meant to be and meant to happen. I’ve found this with my beautiful friend @read.by.the.librarian ❤️
I loved watching Scarlett grow, learn and move through the loss and change that life threw at her, her growth was beautiful and there are so many lessons to takeaway from this beautiful book.
A great book to pass on to your teenagers and anyone who may be struggling with body image in any type of way.
May 29, 2023
What a fabulous YA Skin Deep was. Once I started the novel I couldn't put it down and I was totally invested in Scarlett’ story. She was a very worthy protagonist and my heart bled for her for the trials she had to endure but it was Eamon who stole my heart. He was the first person who saw beyond Scarlett’s scars to the real the person underneath. There were some other wonderful secondary character which helped to make this such a moving story.
I actually decided to read Skin Deep after hearing a Year 10 girl recommend it to her friend. Her praise was heart-felt and she was passionate. I am so glad I eavesdropped on the conversation and now, having read the novel myself, I totally agree with everything she had to say. This book deserves more recognition and accolades than it is receiving at the moment. We have decided to use Skin Deep for Year 8 Literature Circles this year.
I actually decided to read Skin Deep after hearing a Year 10 girl recommend it to her friend. Her praise was heart-felt and she was passionate. I am so glad I eavesdropped on the conversation and now, having read the novel myself, I totally agree with everything she had to say. This book deserves more recognition and accolades than it is receiving at the moment. We have decided to use Skin Deep for Year 8 Literature Circles this year.
August 29, 2025
3.6 stars - finding yourself, inner beauty.
i vividly remember reading this during covid, and this had been something that was so deep to 10 year old me. this was something that plagued my mind, constantly.
scarlett's been beautiful all her life, til the car accident. she feels so ashamed at school that she goes to mount matilda for some peace, and there she learns.
it's about self-discovery, acceptance, and working to see deeper in yourself.
"I don’t want to be defined by all the things I cant do”
her dad's been helping her recover, but it's hard for him too. you can also see his struggles, how he tries his best for his daughter.
and of course, the people that helped Scarlett see deeper, like Eamon.
“‘Nobody expects nature to be perfect’. He laughs. ‘And humans aren’t part of nature?’” surrounded by nature daily, he shows her the perfect imperfection in the mountains; there is a cave with magical healing powers, a river and fish that glimmer iridescent in the sunlight.
the wonder and beauty throughout the book was woven together craftfully, and despite how often books mention the 'beauty is on the inside'. the chapter slowly has us piecing together that horrific event, and the painful aftermath and rehabilitation that came with, alternating between present and past. this is one of the books that truly delve deep on society (like at school) and the expectations to appear a certain way.
i vividly remember reading this during covid, and this had been something that was so deep to 10 year old me. this was something that plagued my mind, constantly.
scarlett's been beautiful all her life, til the car accident. she feels so ashamed at school that she goes to mount matilda for some peace, and there she learns.
it's about self-discovery, acceptance, and working to see deeper in yourself.
"I don’t want to be defined by all the things I cant do”
her dad's been helping her recover, but it's hard for him too. you can also see his struggles, how he tries his best for his daughter.
and of course, the people that helped Scarlett see deeper, like Eamon.
“‘Nobody expects nature to be perfect’. He laughs. ‘And humans aren’t part of nature?’” surrounded by nature daily, he shows her the perfect imperfection in the mountains; there is a cave with magical healing powers, a river and fish that glimmer iridescent in the sunlight.
the wonder and beauty throughout the book was woven together craftfully, and despite how often books mention the 'beauty is on the inside'. the chapter slowly has us piecing together that horrific event, and the painful aftermath and rehabilitation that came with, alternating between present and past. this is one of the books that truly delve deep on society (like at school) and the expectations to appear a certain way.
August 12, 2023
I was excited to read this one, but the flowery prose, endless adjectives and similes didn't really work.
The character also came off as a brat, and oddly unsympathetic. Example: she blames her grandmother for getting into the accident that caused her injuries, but it was the other driver's fault. She fumes for most of the book waiting for an apology.
The subject matter is interesting and better explored as a memoir. Read Dana Vulin's book instead.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The character also came off as a brat, and oddly unsympathetic. Example: she blames her grandmother for getting into the accident that caused her injuries, but it was the other driver's fault. She fumes for most of the book waiting for an apology.
The subject matter is interesting and better explored as a memoir. Read Dana Vulin's book instead.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
I absolutely love this book. It's so heart-wrenching yet so heart-wrming at the same time. This book really displays how hurt a teenage girl could get and I love the perspective and deepthinking in this book. Even though it was quite slow in the beginning, I would encourage you to read until the end before you start making accusations that it's boring. It was a beautiful read and I hope you read it.
February 7, 2025
A book theoretically written for teenagers, is actually a a learning for people in their 20s. The fear of living ‘perfectly’, the understanding of life and everything more. There’s a beauty to the innocence of the youth in this read, where the mind doesn’t filter or complicate the thoughts. They simply exist in the pretty and ugly, and somehow, you learn through those ugly thoughts to what is truly ‘the beautiful’ in life. Chief was truly my favourite.
July 14, 2025
I really enjoyed Skin Deep and might've been the book I have finished the fastest. I really love the journey of Scarlet and her realisation that she's doesn't need this perfect, pretty person because she already is one and her scars show how strong she is. Also loved Damon's character like I think we definitely need a friend like him AND YES LOVE THIS AND THE MESSAGE OF THE BOOK AND WILL BE RECOMMENDING TO MY FRIENDS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
I think this was a very decent book, but I wanted a different ending. I felt like the book should have been longer and it was missing part of the story.
It's like the book dropped off halfway through an wasn't completed, it went in depth, but not enough. It wasn't my type of book, but I know a lot of people who really enjoyed it. Would still recommend.
It's like the book dropped off halfway through an wasn't completed, it went in depth, but not enough. It wasn't my type of book, but I know a lot of people who really enjoyed it. Would still recommend.
January 17, 2023
A beautifully written book about a teenage child learning to live and be at piece with her catastrophic scars following severe burns. It shows the thing that help you heal is really more to do with finding things in our world that are TRULY beautiful, and dismissing those that society and market feeds.
It’s a wise, moving and thought provoking read. A must read!!
It’s a wise, moving and thought provoking read. A must read!!
March 24, 2024
The idea of this book is so good, theres lots of great representation in it and some of the repitition is so good but it’s honestly just so boring at times and too easy and the writing has no flavour to it. I think if more of the casual scenes were written better Id like it way more
Also why did everyone keep almost dying
Also why did everyone keep almost dying
July 14, 2025
I thought that the way that Hayley wrote this book was incredible! She wrote Scarlett's story in such a way that you felt the emotion yet it wasn't too much to handle. She's an amazing writer Scarlett is such a strong young lady. I found myself reading this over and over taking it all in. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
April 30, 2022
"i think lots of people hide behind mask because they're scared of not being perfect. But I've lived long enough in a perfect world and its only been a prison, where i am kept behind the bars of other people's thoughts.'
Scarlett, i love u <3
Scarlett, i love u <3
November 12, 2023
This book was really good. It is definitely a short but sweet read. I loved not just the physical journey the character takes but also the mental one of having to find herself. I would recommend this book for children or teens as that’s the age group it is definitely written for.
September 21, 2024
My favourite book of all. Time. I wrote a whole book report about it since it’s that’s good. It’s my comfort book. The characters are so unique and the plot line is so good. I wish I could turn back and read it again for the first time. It made me cry too many times.
October 10, 2024
Stop.... my heart stopped at every plot twist It was crazy
whenever someone asked me what to read my reaction was always... READ SKIN DEEP!!
i felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster but in a good way??? it was honestly crazy I felt so bad for the main character.
whenever someone asked me what to read my reaction was always... READ SKIN DEEP!!
i felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster but in a good way??? it was honestly crazy I felt so bad for the main character.
August 23, 2025
At the start, i thought this book was going to be something I wouldn’t like. By the end, i’m trying not to cry. The fact Scarlett survived a fire and Eamon survived a flood? The parallels were beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
A thought provoking and inspiring story that I absolutely devoured.
December 9, 2021
An amazing story with a deep meaning behind it
March 23, 2022
Another beautifully written story that is heartfelt, tender, and comes full circle in wonderful ways. Well worthy of being shortlisted and awarded.
March 31, 2022
Good insight into how it would be to lose your only perceived attribute. And shows how much of identity is tied with how we look. Make me tear up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews