Written on April 25, 2022
To celebrate the talented authors in our community and ensure readers have access to a wide range of titles, we have created the Burn Community Bookshelf! All books have been written by burn community authors.
To have your book featured, submit the title, author(s) name, and a high-resolution cover image to resources@phoenix-society.org. We also share several selected titles in each edition of Journey Magazine.
Books are displayed in alphabetic order.
Additional titles are constantly being added!
Author: Gayle Fein Petrillo
Throughout her life, Gayle turned obstacles into opportunities. In this book, she shares the obstacles she faced and overcame after suffering a burn injury at the age of three. She hopes others learn from her story and are comforted by her extraordinary path to personal and professional success.
Available for purchase at https://booklocker.com/11593.
Author: Isabela Sardas Ph.D.
Belle and Chloe are loving twin sisters who do everything together. But one day, tragedy strikes when Belle is burned by a pot of boiling soup. Coping with third-degree burns on several areas of her body, she must spend a few months in the hospital for treatment and later have surgery to reduce her scars.
A beautifully illustrated story about coping with trauma and recovery, this picture book for children shares the story of the accident, the impact the event has on Belle’s self-image, her relationship with her sister, and the rest of the family, and the value of family, support, and love during her recovery. The story is inspired by the author's own childhood experience.
English and Spanish versions now available on Amazon. French Version Soon To Be Published!
The author is donating the proceeds from the sale of this book to Phoenix Society Of Burn Survivors (http://www.phoenix-society.org) and other organizations listed with The American Burn Association (www.ameriburn.org).
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Louise Nayer
A single night overturns the lives of two young parents, making survival seem like the most tragic of outcomes. Four decades later, their daughter, Louise Nayer, describes what was irretrievable after the accident and how she and her sister tried to compensate for it with subtle acts of self-destruction and overeager appeals for attention. Louise discovers that it was her mother's will, an unbreakable, exacting and yet oppressive force, that kept the family together and prevented them from falling into their own forms of regret and self-pity.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: A.J. Otjen & Dan Steffensen (Other Contributor)
In 2021, Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen tried to outrun a sixty-mile-an-hour wall of fire. But it overcame him, burning over 60% of his body. He should have died. The citizens of Red Lodge, Montana, needed him and prayed for his life. Three more tragedies hit his hometown during that Summer of Hell. Drawing from a wealth of interviews and research, author A.J. Otjen tells the inspiring story of how often first responders, doctors, and hundreds of good people stepped up to greatness. All the while, Dan fought his own internal battle to live or die.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Samuel Moore-Sobel
“Can You See My Scars?” describes his decade-long journey of healing after an accident left him with severe burns to his face just before his sophomore year of high school. Perseverance, support from family, and the ability to find humor in dark situations helped him to survive and thrive.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Barbara Kammerer Quayle
Barbara Kammerer's dream job was being a teacher, impacting the lives of junior high kids so they could soar in life. Her dream became jeopardized after a fiery car crash left her with a severe burn injury. Her trauma began a life-long mission to develop skills to empower burn survivors and anyone with a facial difference to live successfully.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Justina Page
In the early hours of March 7, 1999, Justina Page’s life changed forever when a four-alarm house fire destroyed her home, killing one of her toddler twin boys. The Circle of Fire chronicles the author’s journey through overcoming the devastating consequences of these catastrophic events. It is designed to inspire courage and hope in those who are traveling the challenging terrain called tragedy. Everyone goes through a “fire” at one point in their lives, but some people just don’t know what to do at that point. Their fire can be mental, emotional, or, like the one Justina faced, literal; regardless of the circumstance, TheCircle of Fire is like life’s travel guide to restoring peace and joy.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: James Partridge
Face It tells the story of James's recovery and the work he has done ever since to support others with physical differences to cope with the isolation and discrimination they so often face. It is also a manifesto for change: for how others who look different can take control of their destinies and how the world can accept, respect, and value people with facial differences without resorting to stereotypes and stigma, despite the psychological, cultural, and social barriers that so often stand in the way.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Kristina Stiles
The Family Oops and Burns First Aid was created to support children and their families learning about burns prevention and first aid principles together. The book describes an accident-prone family who are not burn aware, and who have to go to school to learn about burn safety and first aid within the home.
Available for viewing on the Academy of Fabulous Stuff.
Author: Aaron Volpatti
Aaron Volpatti was never supposed to play in the NHL. As an average, undersized youth hockey player, Aaron had to fight his way, literally, into competitive hockey. But in the early hours of April 20, 2005, he found himself in a very different fight-a fight for his life after a devastating burn injury.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Lise Deguire
At the age of four, Dr. Lise Deguire suffered third-degree burns on 65% of her body as the result of both maternal and corporate negligence. Against the odds, she lived through the trauma, beginning decades of treatment as a burn survivor. Some chapters of this gripping journey focus on early events, including the story of the fire, her years of painful surgeries in the hospital, social isolation, and bullying. Other chapters focus on her adult life, such as her struggles to find romantic love, being a parent, and her work as a clinical psychologist.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Gina Russo
Despite so much personal loss in the national tragedy that was The Station Fire, Gina Russo offers readers an emotional story of hope and triumph that will amaze and inspire.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Authors: Diana Tenney, Jerry Laperriere
A couple since 2001 and sober for four years through a deep spirituality via AA and their church, in 2010 Diana and Jerry would have their secure healthy lives exploded on one surprisingly warm early spring day when a backyard cleanup turned into a fiery tragedy.
Scarred physically and traumatized emotionally, Diana and Jerry fought, adjusted, and prevailed, not allowing the adversity to destroy them spiritually. It is that strength and optimism that they wish to impart to others by sharing their story, in the hope that it will give assurances to catastrophic accident survivors and their families that they too, like Diana and Jerry, can beat odds of minus-forty percent.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Cathy Morton
In a gripping story of ultimate triumph, Cathy Morton is only four years old when a fiery explosion rocks her carnival world. Torn from a life full of color and fun, Cathy is thrown into a white hospital world full of pain, where survival and healing are all that matter. While struggling to recover, she endures still deeper inner scars inflicted by an alcoholic father.
We travel with Cathy from the crushing childhood trauma to healing and freedom while working with master healers around the world. Over an over again, she confronts the raw and jagged edges of betrayal, struggling to discover a depth of forgiveness that could set her soul free. Through her courage and tenacity, she uncovers a depth of grace and compassion that is seldom witnessed in our deeply divided world. Guided by an angelic force, she now devotes her life to help others heal and activate their own spiritual gifts.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Taylor Campbell
After a softball game, the Campbells were making supper at home. Then it happened—an extraordinary and unfortunate accident. A frantic race to save their child’s life ensued. Family and friends waited and prayed as baby Taylor was whisked away by helicopter. By God’s grace, doctors and nurses saved Taylor’s life—a life made fragile by complications from severe burns covering 64% of her body.
Available for purchase at http://www.carolinabeach.net/taylor.html.
Author: André Xavier and Charlie Anne Xavier
I Almost Lost Her is the story of Charlie’s ongoing healing and André’s acceptance of his own vulnerability. Readers follow the couple’s journey through adversity, the highs and lows, and everything in between. Ultimately, in the face of great suffering, Charlie and André learn to feel fear and pain, then release it so they may remain focused on their new and beautiful life. In their highly-anticipated debut book, André and Charlie remind us that strength, faith, and love are the cornerstones of enduring partnerships—no matter how bleak the circumstance. No matter how difficult the fight.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Felicia Chisolm Early
As a child burned at the age of three months, Felicia faced a long road of recovery throughout her life. From bullying and endless hospital visits as a child to financial difficulties and marital issues later in life, she has continued to hold her faith in God and belief that you can conquer anything that comes up against you.
Available for purchase on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
Author: Audra Bryant
Burned at 18 months old, left disfigured, and refusing to look at herself in the mirror until she was 25 years old as a result, Audra addresses the life of fear she was living. She describes the work it took to fully embrace her physical and emotional scars and breaks down the steps to help empower others.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Authors: Julie M. Saint-Fleur
Lilian is Alright!: Lilian is excited for summer but it proves to be one of the most unforgettable ones yet. Her life is changed forever at the family’s barbeque party. She isn’t expecting what happens when she returns to school…
Lilian’s First Playdate: Lilian is nervous to attend her first playdate since becoming a burn survivor. Can her best friend, Jolie help her muster up the courage to attend and have fun?
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Authors: Octavia Burney, Alexander T. Lee (Illustrator)
As a burn survivor, seven-year-old Olivia is healing both physically and emotionally, but it's hard. Then she meets Marty and discovers that he's not just any dog. Taking her on magical adventures, he gets her mind off of her tragedy and ultimately turns her frown upside down. Marty is a fun-loving, whimsical tale of the healing power found in friendship, love, and laughter.
Available for purchase on Barnes & Noble.
Authors: Kelvin L. Solco
Monkey Bars is a book that tells the story of how a young child with a disability learned how to accomplish something that no one believed he had the ability to do - climb the monkey bars! As you read this book you will discover that you can turn your disabilities and disadvantages into new abilities and capabilities. Join Kelvin on his journey as he navigates through elementary school, high school, college, career, and business ventures to develop leadership lessons.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Authors: Elizabeth Marr, Julie Marr
Healing from burns can be a long and difficult journey and we hope this book is a support to you as you work to heal inside and out. This book offers space to track a year of burn care after a serious injury, including a daily care log and space to write or draw your burn story. This journal is also available in Spanish and in a condensed version for less severe burns.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Authors: Georgia Tyner, Susan Harris-Cox
Illustrator: Jennifer Li
Medical Contributors: Pauline S. Parker MSN, AGNP-C, LaShaunda McClarty MSN, CRNA, Jamie Heffernan MSN, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC
Lucas’ friends had not seen him for a long time. Together they find out why and learn of his journey after his injury. Our Friend Was Hurt By Fire! is a child friendly story that takes us through the process with easy to understand information and colorful pictures. The authors hope to share knowledge, spread awareness and foster empathy through their What Happens Next? series.
Available for purchase on the Associated Children's Media website.
Author: Mona Krueger
Searching for the whys and working through the grief, Mona takes us on her journey to find hope, coaxing people past the scars and tugging others toward life along the way. Alive with honest perspective and the defiance of despair, this memoir will encourage and inspire.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: John Christopher Yount
The Survivor Trilogy is a series of three short dramas that explore the trials of burn survivors as they strive to cope with their injuries and relationships during the course of their recovery. The first drama, a monologue called Blue Eyes of the Beholder or The Food Lion Blues, tells the story of a burn survivor who lost his wife in a house fire shortly after a marital spat over striving to get pregnant together. The second drama, Princess or The Ultra Joy of Doin' Dishes, captures the conversation of a female burn survivor and her husband after a dinner party at their new home with another couple in the neighborhood. In the third drama called The Rising or Taking the Long Way to the Open Eye Cafe, a burn survivor meets the firefighter who saved him in the course of a therapy session years after he was rescued from the flames.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Author: Autumn Ruch
A poetry book designed to help combat anxiety and depression by noticing the beauty of the present moment. Using my five senses are a way that I was taught to ground myself; the world around is constant and steady even when our emotions don't feel like they are. When I was experiencing a lot of inconsistency as a child, I could find comfort in small things, like the trees blowing in the breeze, the smell of the spring rain, the sound of nearby laughter, the delightful taste of chocolate, or the feel of my dog's cold nose against my skin. My hope is to remind people that we can bring ourselves back to the now with just a shift of focus. Life is filled with these simple daily pleasantries if we just take the time to notice - may your day become a little sweeter after reading these poems.