The Art of Being Ugly Series
by Kelly Vincent

Figuring out your sexuality and gender identity while dealing with bullying, heartbreak, friends moving away, way too much homework, and your conservative state trying to erase you and your friends with legislation isn’t something just anyone can do. But Nic Summers can.

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UGLY – Book 1 🩷🤍💜🖤💙

AWARDS

Honor book in SCBWI’s 2022 Spark Award in the Books for Older Readers category

Semifinalist in the 2019 BookLife Prize for Fiction, Children’s and Young Adult category

PRAISE

“The compelling story will resonate with young adults going on their own difficult journeys and should help them feel less alone” — Kirkus Reviews, UGLY

“A book so obviously special and powerful that it feels like a gift” – BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick, UGLY

“For readers looking for a novel that champions the underdog, offers a deep dive into the heartache and triumphs of growing up, and presents a candid look at the struggles facing LGBTQ+ youth, this novel hits all the marks and more, for a valuable addition to contemporary YA literature.” – Self-Publishing Review, UGLY

BLURB

She’s struggling to know her authentic self. When a teenager loses her best friend, can she muster the strength to forge a different path?

Small-town Oklahoma. Nic Summers feels deflated. Overweight and cruelly labeled as an “ugly lesbian” despite liking boys, the fifteen-year-old artist is devastated when her best and only friend announces their family is relocating to Scotland. And after a well-intentioned makeover freaks her out, the desperate introvert tumbles down an internet rabbit hole questioning her gender identity.

Trying but failing to make new friends before she’s left all alone, Nic is plagued by self-doubt. And when her soul-searching leads her to stumble on the label “gender-nonconforming,” she fears sharing that revelation might only make things worse.

As she battles uncertainty and cruel judgment, can Nic learn to feel comfortable in her own skin?

In a sensitive exploration of real teen struggles, author Kelly Vincent deftly weaves a compelling story of individual identity and social expectations. Navigating anxiety, confusion, and loneliness, Vincent crafts an authentic journey through one of life’s most difficult tasks: Figuring out and accepting who you truly are.

Ugly is a heartfelt contemporary YA novel. If you like rooting for the underdog, true friendship, and relatable LGBTQ+ characters, then you’ll love this empathetic coming-of-age tale.

Buy Ugly to live the truth today.

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UGLIER – Book 2 🖤🩶🤍💚🤍🩶🖤

AWARDS

Listed in Kirkus Reviews Top 100 Indie Picks for 2023 (December 15th, 2023)

Kirkus Reviews Editor’s Indie Pick (October 15th, 2023)

PRAISE

“Those seeking a thoughtful story about gender issues, with an endearing main character, will enjoy Ugly.” – BlueInk Reviews, UGLIER

“An impressively honest and intimate first person POV powers this story of a young person struggling with gender and trying to find their place in a world that is seemingly determined to ‘erase’ them” – Kirkus Starred Review, UGLIER

“Uglier depicts a captivating story of adolescent growth.” – BookLife Prize, UGLIER

“Uglier is commendable for fostering increased empathy and understanding, and offering a beacon for young readers navigating the turbulent landscape of identity and acceptance” – Self-Publishing Review, UGLIER

“Nic is still the same lovable, unwavering hero that she was in Vincent’s last book, despite the cost she suffers for simply trying to be herself… Readers will be eager for more of Nic in the future.” – BookLife Review

BLURB

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 artist 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 Ugly World 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!

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UGLIEST – Book 3 🤍🩷🩵🤎🖤❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

AWARDS

Barnes & Noble NOOK Top Indie Favorites for August and September 2024

BookLife Editor’s Pick

PRAISE

“A hopeful and empowering novel of teen activism.” – Kirkus Reviews

“An important work of YA fiction, Vincent’s evolving storyline and mature thematic focus make this a profound work of LGBT literature.” – SPR Reviews

“Kelly Vincent’s novel Ugliest is the earnest continuation of an agender Oklahoma teenager’s coming-of-age story.” – Foreword Reviews

“Empowering journey of LGBTQ teens standing up against adult judgment.” – BookLife Review, Editor’s Pick

BLURB

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 female dorms.

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!

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The Whole Series
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Ugly (Book 1)
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Uglier (Book 2)
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

Ugliest (Book 3)
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads