What do you guys think of this as a story for a book? I appreciate any and all input, unless you say that the concept of a girl going to a new school to escape depression is stupid, because that part is based on me. So is the part about people there, reputedly nice, being worse than the people at her old school. In fact, a lot of this is based on me. I actually almost gave the main character red highlights, and then decided that was too obvious. So I gave her yellow, instead. The part about individuality comes from the fact that I couldn't write or paint while at my new school, and those things make up who I am. And I wasn't actually bullied by teachers, that part was added in because fictional books need fiction. So, now that you know some of the background, here it is:
Fifteen year old Layla has always been an outcast. She is smart, isn't very athletic, loves to read, has bright yellow highlights in her hair, and listens to music that her peers classify as "emo". She tends to stay away from other students and tries not to cause any trouble. She has only one close friend. She and her friend are both made fun of by the "popular" (read: snobby) crowd. Layla gets depressed, and decides that leaving is the only way to help. But how will she survive if she runs away? Then, almost like a miracle, she gets invited to a private school for misfits. She immediately accepts the invitation, knowing this is the only way to get away from her old life. When the school year starts and she arrives at school, she realizes that it isn't what she expected. First, her luggage is searched. All of her clothes, even pajamas and underwear, are thrown away and replaced with school issue clothing. Everything else is also replaced to match the items used by other students. All individuality is stripped away. Her head is shaved. Finally, once that is over, she enters classes and realizes that even in a place where everyone is the same, she doesn't seem to fit in. She is bullied worse than ever before, by teachers and students alike. All students are mistreated and overworked. They are not allowed to leave. She makes friends with two students, and the three decide that the only option is escape.
Layla is kind of the first draft name, I'm not sure I'll keep it, so ideas for names are also appreciated.
-Explosive Sunlight
