Samantha Smiles

My name is Samantha. I am a shy, thirteen year old tomboy from a small Nebraska town. Life is good, until something happens that changes everything.

I end up moving to the city where my grandpa lives, and go to a new school where I know absolutely no one. This is way more anxiety than I can handle. The first person I meet is Paige who has an entourage of groupies. You know the type, she’s pretty, rich, and a great athlete. I feel small and insignificant in her presence. After weeks of lonely lunches, I meet a boy named Danny. He makes me feel like I’m special, which is just what I need. Unfortunately, he’s also a lonely, angry boy who likes to create trouble. Stupid me, I follow along.

My grandpa is a scraggily bearded man with absolutely no taste in clothes. He’s not easy to talk to, but then, neither am I. As we struggle to get to know each other, I begin to think I might like the old guy. But that's when things get interesting. I accidentally discover my dad’s journal written when he was my age. Fascinating stuff, especially when I find out dear, sweet Grandpa may not be someone I care to know, much less live with.

You’ll have to read my story to learn more. Just believe me when I say life can sure throw you some curves.