“If you want a perspective of trauma from the lens of the child, this is it.” — Community Services Provider

J.E. Stamper is the author of Ugly Me, a stunningly written fictional tale based on the real-life experiences of real students, and its sequels Perennial Girl, New Leaf and Comfort Zones. He is a public school educator and author who lives in Virginia with his amazing wife and their incredible children. He is plagued by senseless optimism, an overactive imagination, and an insatiable appetite for nerdy crap (you know, like wizards and lasers and stuff), all of which he channels into his writing, hoping to bring a little more joy and understanding into the world. His fantasy novels include A Fool’s Venture: Burrows & Beasts: Book 1 and The Paladin’s Curse: Burrows & Beasts: Book 2.

Ugly Me  is a touching, entertaining, “I read it in one sitting”-worthy look at the issues of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The book series is touted as a “must read for all students, parents, and teachers.”

J.E. 's Featured Titles

Comfort Zones: Ugly Me Book 4

Independently published |
Fiction

She’s turned over a new leaf, but will she be able to grow?

Things have changed for Randi Lewis—for the better. New home, new friends, new social status.

A whole new life.

But even after turning over a new leaf, Randi finds that life is still full of challenges and stress that threaten to bring back her old self—the Ugly Me that almost destroyed her.

Because even though things are better now, she finds that sometimes it’s easier to fall back into an old comfort zone than it is to do what is necessary to grow—even if that comfort zone is a bad one.

But what Randi doesn’t know is that she’s about to face the most difficult challenge of her new life—one that threatens not only her, but the peace and safety of her entire school.

Will Randi be able to step outside of her comfort zone to confront these new trials, or will she revert back to the ways of her old self-destructive Ugly Me?

The Ugly Me Journal

Independently published |
Journal Writing

Discover the Perfect Companion to the Bestselling Ugly Me Book Series

The Ugly Me Journal is a powerful tool designed to take journalers of all ages on an enriching journey of self-reflection, gratitude, and personal growth. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Ugly Me series or a newcomer looking to enhance your life with positivity and mindfulness, this journal is your ideal companion.

Key Features:

Guided Prompts for Self-Reflection: With thoughtfully curated prompts, this journal gently guides you through the process of self-discovery and personal reflection, making it easy to explore your inner thoughts and feelings.

A Focus on Gratitude and Affirmations: Cultivate a daily practice of gratitude and positivity with positive affirmations that inspire a growth mindset and a deeper appreciation for life’s gifts.

Elegant and Simple Layout: The journal’s clean, elegant design makes it inviting and easy to use. Each of the 120 pages is crafted to offer a serene space for your thoughts, free from distractions.

Perfect for All Ages: While it is an excellent tool for teenagers navigating school life and personal challenges, The Ugly Me Journal is also suitable for adults seeking personal growth and happiness.

Classroom Companion: This journal is an ideal resource for school classrooms, helping both students and teachers grow in gratitude and happiness. It complements the Ugly Me series perfectly, offering practical exercises that reinforce the lessons and themes of the books. However, its universal design can be used by anyone.

Why Choose The Ugly Me Journal?

Bestselling Author: From the mind of the author behind the #1 Amazon bestselling Ugly Me series, this journal carries forward the same empathetic and insightful approach that has resonated with readers worldwide.

Support for Personal Growth: This journal isn’t just about writing—it’s about growing. It encourages you to embrace your true self, overcome challenges, and build a positive, resilient mindset.

Thoughtful Gift: Whether for a friend, a student, or yourself, The Ugly Me Journal makes a meaningful and thoughtful gift that promotes well-being and happiness.

Start your journey to a more grateful, reflective, and joyful life today with The Ugly Me Journal. Embrace the power of self-discovery and positivity, and watch your world transform.

Get it now and begin your path to self-reflection and growth.

New Leaf: Ugly Me Book 3

Independently published |
Fiction

She finally has a glimmer of hope, but will it be enough to save her?

After a long, traumatic ordeal, Randi Lewis has at last found peace and safety in the home of her once-hated teacher, Ms. Odum. But as she learns to adjust to her new life, old feelings and habits threaten to creep in and destroy everything. Because no matter how good things are now, some things never change.

And Randi knows that Ugly Me—and her old life—are just a heartbeat away.

On top of it all, Randi finds herself being forced uncomfortably close to an old enemy, one irrevocably connected to her painful past.

As challenges arise and pressures mount, Randi begins to worry that having a taste of true happiness and losing it may very well be worse than never having it at all.

Can Randi keep her Ugly Me locked away and learn to accept her new life, or will her terrible past come back to haunt her?

Find out today in the touching third book in the Ugly Me series!

The Paladin’s Cure: Burrows & Beasts: Book 2

Independently Published |
Middle Grade Fiction

They thought it was over, but they were wrong. Dead wrong

After barely surviving the monsters and magic of a fantasy dungeon come to life, Dave, Johnny, and Walt want nothing more than to put the whole thing behind them and go on with their normal, boring lives.

But a desperate phone call, a mysterious disappearance, and a deadly lingering injury that can only be healed with magic make it clear that someone–or something–is pushing them toward another fateful encounter with the fantasy realm. A realm where, unbeknownst to them, a vicious undead army awaits.

It’s time to level up and get back in the game…before it’s too late…

The Paladin’s Cure is the exciting second installment of Burrows & Beasts, author J. Edward Stamper’s thrilling fantasy series. If you’re a fan of sword and sorcery fantasy, urban fantasy, or LitRPG, then you’ll love a series which combines all of their best traits in a bingeable, fast-paced, captivating, magical fantasy adventure.

A Fool’s Venture: Burrows & Beasts: Book 1

Independently Published |
Middle Grade Fiction

Can three unsuspecting gamers overcome the deadly monsters and magical mayhem of a fantasy game come to life, or will this be their final “Game Over?”

Jumanji meets Dungeons & Dragons in this thrilling, bingeable series!

Dave, Johnny, and Walt are best friends and die-hard gamers on the hunt for new, more exciting experiences. But when Dave mistakenly signs up the group for what he thinks is a live-action roleplaying game in an imposing mansion, things get a little too…real.

And when they suddenly find themselves trapped with vicious, deadly monsters in a fantasy dungeon come to life, they uncover the plot of a maniacal mastermind intent on blurring the lines between fantasy and reality to take over the real world.

Can they muster the courage to use their newfound tools and skills and become the kind of heroes they’ve only ever pretended to be, or will they succumb to the monsters and mayhem of this deadly dungeon?

Find out in A Fool’s Venture, author J. Edward Stamper’s thrilling series starter which blends the best elements of your favorite fantasy genres into a blazing-fast, captivating, binge-worthy thrill ride!

Perennial Girl: Ugly Me Book 2

Independently Published |
Fiction

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 her:

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 choice:

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.

Ugly Me

Independently Published |
Fiction

Randi Lewis is not the kind of girl that most folks want around. She curses. She yells. She skips school. She gets in fights. Her clothes are dirty. She smells.

She has a bad reputation.

But behind all of this ugliness is a damaged girl with a secret life. A life filled with pain, loneliness, and anger.

It’s the first day of her seventh-grade year, and she’s ready for a change. She has plans, and none of them involve ruining her own life before she makes it out of middle school.

She just has to ignore all of the mean looks, pointed whispers, trash talk, and harsh words–from kids and adults alike.

Easy, right?

But if she has any hope of making it, she must find a way to keep her Ugly Me locked inside. Because if she lets her take over again, she may not be able to recover…

Walk a mile in the shoes of an at-risk child with this book written by a middle school administrator serving a high-needs population. A stunningly written fictional tale based on the real-life experiences of real students, Ugly Me is an entertaining, touching, raw look at life through the eyes of one of our nation’s many suffering children. It’s a must-read for all middle and high school students, educators, parents, and social workers.

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Hear J.E. Stamper Speak

Looking for an experienced, dynamic speaker for your next event? J.E. Stamper offers engaging talks and workshops covering a wide variety of topics in the fields of public education, writing, productivity, and self-publishing.

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Ugly Me and Childhood Trauma

60 minutes, Adult Audiences

Josh speaks about his work with underserved students and students who have experienced high levels of trauma (16 years and counting). He recounts the people and events from his time as a classroom teacher and school administrator that changed his perspective on public education and inspired him to write. His storytelling will touch, inspire, and invigorate.

During the talk, Josh will share concrete examples of classroom strategies as well as a long list of things to avoid when working with traumatized youth.

His audiences leave this talk with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, ready to make a difference in their students’ lives.

Coming Soon!

J.E. Stamper’s Fantasy

Get a Free eBook | Pincushion: An Ugly Me Story

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Writer’s Digest Personal Essay Grand Prize Winner
Middle School Educator
Elementary School Principal

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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