Böcker av Aricka Alexander

After a stressful and anxiety inducing first year of high school, 15-year-old Taylianah Lukai and her family move from Honolulu, Hawaii to Baton Rouge, Louisiana during the summer of 2011. Taylianah believes that this can be her new start--an escape from all of the drama, rumors, heartbreaks and of course, her ex-boyfriend. She promises herself that this year will be better for her emotionally and mentally. Taylianah learns to stand up for herself, fight for what she loves and open up to those closest to her. She wants to be happy and enjoy life like everyone else. Even though life is unpredictable, she's determined to make the best of it.Note: This story is told mostly from Taylianah's perspective but is also, at times, told from the perspectives of Chazz and her friends Kanani and Andre.

Winter Hughes has always known since she was younger that she never fit into the mold of the stereotypical girl. From the discomfort she'd feel if she had to wear girly clothes to the inability to develop a crush on guys like the other girls in her class, she knew that she was different. But that didn't bother her one bit. Her family supported her and loved her unconditionally no matter what. Her life was great, but as she got older, she realized just how difficult being different could be.After some traumatic experiences in high school and college, she sees just how cruel people can be. So, she decided to move away from her hometown for a fresh start.Enter Autumn, a woman she's instantly drawn to when they meet in the elevator of their apartment complex one day. There's a connection and tension between them. The closer they become, the more Winter realizes that it is no coincidence that they meet each other.This is a story about love. About upset. Passion. And the struggles and rewards of being yourself.This is the story of how Winter and Autumn became one.

Autumn Noble is a 27-year-old mother who focuses all her time on working and being there for her daughter, Sydney. She has no time for relationships, going out, or partying. After the rocky relationship with her ex, she believes that maybe relationships just aren't for her.That is until she meets Winter. She's a fun-loving, spontaneous person who is attracted to Autumn from the first time they meet. With her personality and gentleness, she reintroduces the idea of love to Autumn.With the help of Winter, Autumn learns that she can continue to be a great mom while also being able to enjoy herself in her adult years.This is a story about love. About upset. Betrayal. And the struggles of being the only parent present.This is the story of how Autumn found Winter.

After a stressful and anxiety-inducing first year of high school, 15-year-old Taylianah Lukai and her family move from Honolulu, Hawaii to Baton Rouge, Louisiana during the summer of 2011. Taylianah believes that this can be her new start--an escape from all of the drama, rumors, heartbreaks and of course, her ex-boyfriend. She promises herself that this year will be better for her emotionally and mentally. Taylianah learns to stand up for herself, fight for what she loves, and open up to those closest to her. She wants to be happy and enjoy life like everyone else. Even though life is unpredictable, she's determined to make the best of it.Note: This story is told mostly from Taylianah's perspective but is also, at times, told from the perspectives of Chazz and her friends Kanani and Andre.

The second semester is in full swing at East Kennedy High School and with a new semester, comes new drama. Follow Tay, Chazz, Kilah, and Kylie as they continue to face the ups and downs of high school and being a teenager. ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿Kilah Jones and Kylie Bennett finally work up the courage to confess their feelings to one another thanks to a secretly planned date by their friends. Since this is both of their first time dating someone of the same gender, they aren't too sure how to go about it at first. All they're sure of is that they really like each other. Together they learn to navigate their feelings, discover what they really want, and protect each other from the negativity of people around them; including Kilah's ex, Daniel.Tay and Chazz's relationship is still going strong but with both of their schedules becoming more and more hectic, they aren't able to spend as much time together as they'd like. Then add Chazz's long-time frenemy, a few mystery relatives, and an annoying guy from the past to the equation and what do you get? A few fights, some jealousy, a new-found family, and a love lost.

A collection of works written over the last (almost) 14 years. This book contains and showcases the growth and thought process of a writer from the age of 14 to their late 20s. So, whether you like poetry, short stories or just random thoughts similar to diary entries, this book is for you.