Salamander Susie

A few months into freshman year, Susan Otto finally feels comfortable in her own skin. Until her narcissistic, workaholic mother drops the news that the family, including her slacker older brother, are moving. A new school means a whole new set of problems, including a not-what-they-seem Freshman Welcoming Committee and a strict teacher that doesn't like being shown up. Making things even worse, she is almost immediately labeled a freak by the resident bully, who cruelly gives her the nickname of Salamander Susie.

Susan does her best to overcome these challenges, with a little help from her persistent, fast-talking classmate Josh, but when her best chance at reinvention goes horribly wrong, she must lean on the protection of the new science teacher, Mr. Foxx. Unfortunately, he seems to have secrets that threaten Susan and others at the school. Will she give up the only good thing in her life and do what is right?

Told in Susan's own words to her pet anole lizard, Salamander Susie is a funny but poignant examination of the high school experience. This includes finding a sense of self and purpose, navigating family troubles, the exploration of personal space and boundaries, and so much more. It is a timeless, yet startlingly relevant, story that should resonate with teenagers and adults alike.

NOTE: Salamander Susie is the second novel in the Van Buren High universe, following the well-received Loser Fooser. You do not need to have read the first to enjoy the second, although the author certainly hopes you read both someday and in whichever order you so choose.