The Way I See It Series
By L. B. Tillit
The Way I See It is a powerful collection of short, fast-paced novels that dive deep into what teens are really going through—on the surface and underneath. Each book follows a different student at Hancock High, giving a raw, inside look into their life, struggles, fears, and choices. These are stories about being judged, misunderstood, ignored—or just trying to survive another day.
The characters are fictional, but their voices are real. Their pain is real. Their stories are the kind that stick with you.
Some stories don’t get told. This series tells them.
The Books
Each book is told in first person—so you’re not just reading their story. You’re seeing the world the way they see it.
Ozzie
Everyone expects him to be the football hero. He stays quiet, keeps things in, and tries to block out the voices in his head. But silence can be dangerous—especially when you’re carrying more than you can handle.
Themes: Mental health, suicidal thoughts, harassment, racism, expectations, homelessness
Zonta
She wants to be seen for who she really is, but people won’t stop staring—or making comments. Her ADHD makes it hard to stay focused, and even harder to explain why she’s so frustrated.
Themes: Sexual harassment, ADHD, biracial identity, being heard
Blake
He doesn’t fit in. Never has. He’s on the spectrum and okay with that—but when a traumatic event happens, the line between safe and unsafe blurs fast.
Themes: Neurodivergent perspective, bullying, trauma, poverty
Emma
Emma is smart and driven, but the pressure is nonstop—from her family, her grades, and her own fear of failure. When things spin out of control, her anger threatens to define her.
Themes: Stereotyping, academic pressure, cultural identity, friendship
Mateo
He’s quiet and careful, but he’s also paying attention. When a friend is hurt and no one else will speak up, Mateo has to decide whether staying silent is worth the cost.
Themes: Immigration, abuse, trust, finding your voice
Lilly
Living out of her car. Hiding from social workers. Doing whatever it takes to get through the day. Trust is a luxury Lilly can’t afford—or maybe she just hasn’t found the right person to give it to.
Themes: Homelessness, hunger, survival, building trust
What Makes This Series Different?
- Short, fast-paced chapters that are accessible to all kinds of readers
- Realistic, honest writing—nothing watered down, nothing fake
- Relatable characters who are messy, brave, scared, and trying their best
- Tough topics handled with care—mental health, trauma, racism, harassment, identity, and more
These are the stories behind the hallway stares, the silence in class, the students who don’t speak up. Because sometimes, the hardest part of being a teen is just being seen.