Title:
 

Unbound

Author:
 

Billie Esma

Grade or Focus:
  

8 - 12

Number. Of Words:
 

18,721
 

Keywords &
Market Focus:
 

1990, unbound, teenagers, artists, nonconformity, inequality, friendship, love, homosexuality, eccentricism, revolution, goths, music, dance, art, prejudice, misunderstanding, togetherness, separation, small towns.
 

Synopsis:
 

In the town of DeGovia, where almost nothing changes, 12 artist friends - Miki, Suzu, Yuzu, Krist, MJ, Bai, Lee, Jannika, Riley, Angel, Julietta and Tamian - go to school together and hang out regularly. Because of their differences from the rest of their school, they are hated simply because they don't believe in conformity. Miki has visions. Suzu and Yuzu are aspiring musicians. Tamian is an introvert who loves to draw. MJ wants artists to take over the world. Bai is really a Saudi Arabian who wishes she was Chinese. Krist is afraid of himself. Lee is an eccentric. Riley is full of sarcasm but has a good heart. Julietta loves to dance. Jannika loves the colour green. Angel has a bad rep he doesn't deserve. While they think the school has problems with them, their conflicts prove the opposite and promote misunderstandings of all sorts. First comes a joke which was taken personally. Next comes a steep feeling of betrayal when being insulted. Later comes the breakup. On the coming of the reunion, DeGovia Unbound finally earns its name for real as they spark something even more glorious than a patched breakup.

Author Biography:
 

I was born in 1990 in Sanandaj, Iran, and emigrated to Canada when she was six. At around age five I showed a penchant for storytelling and even earlier I showed a talent for drawing. Just recently I discovered my place as an artist, nonconformist, Baha'i, and my steep love of music. I currently live in Vancouver, BC with my family, and still attends school and Ruhi classes. I thank my friends eternally for sticking by me and continue to be inspired by them and just life in general.

Other:
 

Add-ons include character biographies, pronounciation guide, and an introduction to the wonders of nonconformity.

This manuscript was edited by me.