Plot summary, “Burned” by Ellen Hopkins in 4 Minutes - Book Review

Burned (2006) by Ellen Hopkins is a young adult novel that follows 17-year-old Pattyn, who lives in a strict Mormon family controlled by her abusive, alcoholic father. As she struggles under the weight of her family's expectations and her father's cruelty, Pattyn rebels, exploring her sexuality and questioning her faith. After a series of painful events, she is sent to live with her kind Aunt Jeanette in Nevada, where she grows more confident and begins a relationship with Ethan. However, her father's violence and control continue to haunt her. The novel deals with themes of religion, teen sexuality, abuse, and the search for identity. Written in free verse, Burned was praised for its raw depiction of a teenage girl's emotional journey, though it faced controversy for its portrayal of the Mormon Church. A sequel, Smoke, continues Pattyn's story.