Typical teenager Joanna Gore Alex is less than thrilled to be the new girl in a new school.

During her first day, she quickly learns teachers obviously favor the popular students and her classmates have no interest in being nice. Just when Joanna believes the day couldn't get any worse, she has a slightly embarrassing and awkward altercation with one of the hottest guys at school.

But as the school days pass by, Joanna forms friendships with some unexpected classmates and discovers exactly how strong she can be against the school's mean girl.

When Joanna is drawn to one of her brother's new friends, Frank, she feels like she's known him forever. Even his full name - Francis James - sounds familiar to her for some reason.

Joanna quickly learns life isn't all about handing assignments in on time (although it is important), she discovers the meaning of friendship, family, heartache, and most of all, love.

Self-Love: An Unexpected Romance

THE FIRST DAY I met him was when he came home with Elvis from school. He fought a boy in my class for calling me a stammerer when Elvis wasn’t present. 


He accepted my friends and joined us in our every activity. Even when it was against his class, he would be on our side. This would make Elvis happy and angry sometimes. 


I also recalled he would smile the moment he saw me and his eyes shine a bright color. As little as we were then, he always made me feel special. 


He would always gang up with me during hide and seek games plus other recreations against the others and that day wasn’t an exception. From what my little brain could take note of, it was a good day. We all came back from school, did our homework, and then agreed to play. 


Standing In The Sun