The Art of Being Ugly Series

Sophomore Nic Summers tries to ignore the taunts of "ugly lesbian."   Because she's not sure they're entirely wrong. But she also has bigger concerns for now, including prepping for the school's art contest. And while she isn't certain of her sexuality, she does know her life is on the verge of falling apart when her best and only friend, Sam, drops the bomb that her family's moving to Scotland. Together, to soften the blow and distract themselves from the inevitable, they start Operation Social Interaction for Nic—or OSIN for short—to try to find her some new friends.   But it's an uphill battle for the introverted teen artist.   As Sam's last day nears, Nic's self-confidence wavers even more, and she starts questioning everything. If lesbian doesn't feel quite right, maybe she's transgender? It isn't until she stumbles across the label "gender nonconforming" that things start to make a little more sense, and fall into place. But finding the right label doesn't really tell her what to do next, and before she knows it, Sam is gone.   Mustering all her resources, Nic realizes she needs to find her own path and live her own truth.

A new school. An opportunity to fuel her passion. A mean girl waiting in the wings to burn it all down.   Oklahoma City. Nic Summers is ready for a fresh start. Entering her first semester at a boarding school far from her narrow-minded hometown, the talented teen artist hopes to continue exploring her gender identity in a safer environment. And after meeting a boy she likes, connecting with another student, and discovering a supportive teacher, she's relieved things are looking up… until once again she faces a cruel bully.   Trying to stay positive, the shy creative focuses on nurturing her fledgling friendships and honing her skills under the guidance of a kind mentor. But after Nic's crush is vengefully outed as trans, she blurts out something awful and fears she's ruined everything.   Can she mend shattered trusts and reclaim her authentic self?   Written with heartfelt empathy, author Kelly Vincent gives voice to modern youth as they face challenging social issues. With sensitivity and insight, Vincent puts the reader in the shoes of young people desperate to thrive and find their place in this universe.   Uglier is the emotional second book in the The Art of Being Ugly contemporary YA series. If you like big-hearted protagonists, LGBTQ+ themes, and powerful journeys of self-discovery, then you'll adore Kelly Vincent's candle in the dark.   Buy Uglier to continue the search today!

Life, academics, and activism. Facing hate and bigotry, can this agender teen make a difference in LGBTQ+ rights?   Oklahoma City. Nic Summers is equal parts excited and nervous. Determined to excel, the seventeen-year-old strives to find time to survive physics, build confidence, and enter a competitive art mentorship. But the principled teen's stress skyrockets when a protest video results in them and a trans friend being forced by the school to move to the girls' dorm.   Burning with a strong sense of justice, the normally shy teenager summons the courage to speak out against damaging state legislation. But when the vision goes viral, they're shocked when the authorities hand down an ultimatum: stop or be expelled.   Can Nic dig deep and prevail against institutional bullies ready to erase their identity?   Sharing the plight of those too often silenced, author Kelly Vincent opens the door to understanding and empathy. Through the eyes of a big-hearted main character, Vincent leads the way toward accepting and appreciating each other's differences.   Ugliest is the inspiring third book in The Art of Being Ugly contemporary YA series. If you like protagonists who grow, making a positive impact, and standing up for the underdog, then you'll love Kelly Vincent's soul-stirring tale.   Buy Ugliest to find a voice today!