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Perennial Girl: Ugly Me Book 2

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She's scared. She's hungry. She's exhausted.

How much longer can she hold on?

Randi Lewis is a month into seventh grade, and things definitely aren't going as planned. After a terrible sixth-grade year, she was hoping to really turn her life around.

But the same old problems are still haunting

Bullying, middle school girl drama, teachers who don't want her around, an incarcerated father, an abusive mother, acute poverty, a home with no food...

Just to name a few...

But after her life is threatened during a late-night home invasion, Randi is left with a

Finally open up and seek help or add one more thing to a long list of painful secrets.

As she struggles with the choice, she knows she can't take much more before she finally breaks...

Written by a public school educator, this book is a touching, entertaining, "I read it in one sitting"-worthy look at the issues of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

Read the book series that readers tout as a "must read for all students, parents, and teachers."

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll emerge with a new perspective and a fresh empathy.

Get it today.

You'll be glad you did.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2020

89 people are currently reading
442 people want to read

About the author

J.E. Stamper

6 books44 followers

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5 stars
506 (60%)
4 stars
231 (27%)
3 stars
77 (9%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Leann.
2 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2022
An Educator Must Read

I found this book and Ugly Me on my FaceBook feed. As a Librarian of an Elementary school I was intrigued. I immediately got attach to Randi the main character of the story. I would try to compare her to current students or students of my past. This book really opens eyes and tugs at the heart. A must read for anyone but definitely for educators.
Profile Image for Kerri Blessing.
278 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
As teachers, we do what we can, and every little bit counts. This story is proof.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,173 reviews
December 11, 2021
Every middle school child, and teachers should have to read this series. This is the second of the series that gave us a glimpse into Miranda's life. Not only do we see her struggles but we see how others treat her. How she deals with being bullied for things that are out of her control. It's a sad story, but one I enjoyed!
Profile Image for Lumilda Ruiz.
17 reviews
Read
April 6, 2023
perfect

Never read a story quite like this and I loved book 1 but I loved book 2 every more. Such a good read and very necessary for anyone who is working with kids or are about to. This book should be a part of every school curriculum. Every teacher should make these books a mandatory read in their English classes.
Profile Image for Michelle Maloney.
9 reviews
July 16, 2024
Book one gave you an insight to the life of a girl from the wrong side of town and tugs at your heart strings. Book two really lets you know more about Miranda and her life. It brought tears to my eyes. It really makes me think twice about my past students and definite will be more perceptive to my future students.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Loucks.
16 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2022
This book was not as good as the first book that Stamper wrote. It still provides an inside look as to how children are good at hiding things in their home situation. This book reminds me to slow down when working with students and give them the second chance if they need it.
Profile Image for Michelle Hodge.
51 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2022
Yet again, speechless!!

I hope this series never ends! Mr. Stamper’s writing is exquisite & tells a student’s story like others can’t! I’m very impressed & glad he decided to write! There are so many students out there who need a voice!
1 review1 follower
January 9, 2022
Eye opening

Great read, both books, for anyone. Helps to open your mind to troubles that so many students face. As I was reading faces of students, present and past, popped in my mind. Teach our kids patience and understanding because you never know what someone's situation is.
Profile Image for Grace Mcmann.
114 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2022
Incredible reading for parents, middle schoolers, teachers, anyone who deals with teenagers but especially the teens themselves. We never truly know what the story is behind what you think you see. This book and its predecessor, Ugly Me, will give you much food for thought.
Profile Image for Leann Kasper.
118 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2023
Great read!

I would recommend this book to every teacher in every grade. I would also recommend this book for all students in middle and high school. They may either see a bit of themselves or someone they know in this story.
5 reviews
July 24, 2023
Perennial Girl

Very good, written from teens point of view, so
me language but written authentically. I love this book, educators who have been in for a long time should consider reading this.
422 reviews3 followers
Read
October 9, 2023
The sequel to "Ugly Me", this book continues the plight of young Randi. It is heartbreaking to think of the number of children who are not provided with love and care. I wish services and help were available for all children in need. Disturbing.
Profile Image for Nikki.
31 reviews
December 30, 2023
Another great book by J.E. Stamper! His books are eye-opening for educators, families, and students. My students have enjoyed his books as well. It helps them be more empathetic with their classmates who appear similar to the character in this series.
5 reviews
February 4, 2024
Oh my goodness! What a tear jerker.

Where do I begin? I can't wait to read the third book in this series. Again, the authors words left me in tears! It takes a lot of courage for two people to share emotions. Really wonderful book!
68 reviews
April 21, 2024
Read this if you've forgotten

A vivid tapestry of the horror and despair of neglect and poverty and the cleansing power of empathy and love. Everyone over the age of eight should read these stories, maybe in a group setting. If only to start some difficult conversations.
Profile Image for Sally Salter.
62 reviews
June 5, 2024
Second in a series of three short "novellas." I recommend for all, especially teachers. Really puts many students' lives in perspective. Read all three of the books. I'm not sure why they aren't all part of one novel.
1,081 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2025
A Very Good Book

Wow this story is full of abuse but some people are making it better. It is a shame how these kids fall between the cracks and adults don't notify someone. I can't imagine not being able to be clean and fed. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Profile Image for Karen Harrington.
25 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
This series is a must read for students and teachers alike. Hopefully through this story we can all develop the empathy needed to show love to everyone around us... regardless of their situation or demeanor.

Cannot wait to finish the series and share with my students.
Profile Image for Dawn Doerr-Johnson.
4 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2021
Bouncing back

Randi is back. The worst night of her life is followed with a day of making connections. Will these people help her bounce back?
Profile Image for lex.
74 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2022
I love this little series so much. Randi is so likable and you can’t help but feel invested in her story. Such a beautiful illustration of how impactful one caring adult can be to a child ❤️
6 reviews
February 28, 2022
teen read

Easy read, meant for middle schoolers. Interesting story line. Type of book I always read in school. Always interested in reading a book about kids in need.
Profile Image for Jessica.
583 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2022
I'm hoping this isn't the end of the series...? I loved how this one showed the miracle of what people can do when they care enough and how a life can be changed because of it. Wish it was longer.
Profile Image for Adriane Harlem.
2 reviews
May 30, 2022
love

I read these books .they made me cry….I am so happy about Miranda and Mrs. Oden. Ready to read the next book
2,138 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2022
Well written short story. I wish the author would put the two volumes together and flesh out the story. Perhaps turn it into a graphic novel? I think it would illustrate very well!!
575 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2022
A realistic book about what some kids go through on a daily basis. I witnessed similar heart wrenching situations for some of my students! Loved the ending!
6 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2022
Fantastic and what a wonderful reminder that we all need!
60 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2022
This is the follow-up book to Ugly Me and I devoured it. It is a must read!
Profile Image for Nancy.
131 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2022
Please read this book

If you work with children please read this book. Sometimes the kids who give us a hard time have a reason for doing so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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