Just the Way I Am

About the Book:
Stella McKarla, the school's dork, nerd, teachers' pet, and weirdo, has a not-so-perfect life, but she's seen worse. But Stella's world is changing. Overnight, her life turns into a fairytale. She's got the guy of her dreams, a new friend, and she and her sister have become closer. Could things get anymore perfect?

Just as Stella settles into her new, perfect life, everything changes again. Bullies once again start to pick on her. Friends turn on her. People who were once supportive and caring now want her to change.

Stella finds herself having to choose between being someone she's not or getting picked on and harassed. Is there a way to avoid both? Read Stella's diary as she struggles through the trials and triumphs of middle school.

About the Author:
Maansi Dasari: 11-year-old Maansi Dasari lives in Midland, MI, and is going into 7th grade at Jefferson Middle School. She moved from Toledo, OH a year ago, which is when she started writing with her friend, Pinya. She loves to read, and has been writing stories and poems since 3rd grade. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her swimming or playing soccer and tennis. She also loves to do arts and crafts. Pinya Pipatjarasgit: Writing never appealed to Pinya until 5th grade and started writing stories with Maansi. She fell in love with the way she could use words to create the life of a totally different person. Pinya now goes to school at Maumee Valley Country Day School. She enjoys golf, singing, playing guitar, violin, piano and tennis.