I am Here Now

Description

Maisie is about to turn sixteen and her grandmother and brother Davy are only sometime allies in a very tumultuous household, with an abusive mother and a cheating father. Maisie struggles with friendship, her growing sexuality, and with her future-she wants to be an artist but her mother isn't supportive. Most of all, Maisie is struggling to discover herself-who she is and what she wants. In a home that tells her she is worth nothing, Maisie uses her creativity to draw a brighter future for herself, one where she is fully realized. As heartbreaking as it is inspiring, Cellophane Girl is unafraid to show the messy parts of growing up, while revelling in the passion of young friendship, first love, sexuality, and art.

Barbara Bottner, a New York Times-bestselling author, has written (and sometimes illustrated) over forty-plus titles for children, from wordless picture books to young adult novels. Her work has been translated, animated, and adopted into short musicals. Bootsie Barker Bites, Wallace's Lists (with Gerald Kruglik), Miss Brooks Loves Books, Priscilla Gorilla, and Amy Is Famous are some of her favorites. Barbara formerly worked in children's television and CBS prime time comedy, and has published short stories and essays in national newspapers and magazines. She walks her dog, Petey, and hangs with her husband, Gerald, in Los Angeles.