This stunning book chronicles the coming of age of one of America's most beloved beauty queens. Charlotte Lopez won the Miss Teen USA title in 1993 after telling her moving story of growing up in several foster homes throughout her home state of Vermont, and how her life had adjusted without ever having any true parents she could call her own. Her frank and touching narrative transports us into her life of growing up with a mentally unbalanced mother, a talented sister, and several completely different foster parents. We encounter her stories of life, first loves, and winning the most prestigious teenage pageant the world in a $37 evening gown. A delightful and personal book, who's clever author never leaves us with a dull moment, and makes us question both the role of parenting and the placement of foster children in our country and society. Wonderfully witty, deeply moving, and always energetic, this book is an amazing read for anyone of any age who has wondered what life is without any true family unit, or has dreamed about becoming a beauty queen.