You’ve explored the Great Montgomery Book Emporium and read a café cubano-filled insect love story, and now it’s time to head to the beach with Maisie Martin for a summer vacation! But you know all those movies where teenagers have, like, THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES? This vacation is probably not going to be that.
Sixteen-year-old Maisie never thought she’d be entering a beauty pageant. Especially not when she’s spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone, her Dad is AWOL, and her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie’s already shaky confidence. And especially not when her best friend starts flirting with the boy she’s always loved. But Maisie’s got something to prove.
As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie didn’t let anything, or anyone, hold her back.
Author Jenna Guillame’s American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice. Readers are sure to relate to Maisie’s realistic emotional journey, featuring the importance of friendship, confidence, and embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self.
Can’t wait for your own copy of What I Like About Me? Read an excerpt! Then download the free discussion guide to answer fun questions about Maisie’s misadventures, and check out our Q&A with author Jenna Guillaume to learn more about the inspiration behind this relatable summer read.
“This is the book I would hand to teen me.” —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
“Debut author Guillaume’s novel features funny dialogue and fresh takes on body image and personal relationships as well as a plucky heroine who slowly but surely comes into her own…. Perfect for fans of Dumplin’, a hilariously sweet yet complex romance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This book draws obvious parallels to Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’, but Maisie and her diverse cast of friends are fresh and distinctive, as is the Australian setting…. A fun, upbeat, and tender coming-of-age story written in an engaging and lively diary format.”—School Library Journal
“Guillaume’s delightful debut deals with teenagers and their self-esteem, as Maisie’s story is relayed through her journal entries. This intimate lens will invest readers in Maisie’s journey to self-acceptance and confidence. A fun story, abounding in humor, romance, and inspiration and filled with multifaceted characters that readers will enjoy.” —Booklist
Order your copy of What I Like About Me today from Amazon, IndieBound, Bookshop.org, or Barnes & Noble!