Self-published author and Redmond resident Bryan Esparza illustrates the highs and lows of youth life from a teenager’s perspective in his debut novel “Attitude.”

The book takes its readers on a journey alongside protagonist Jason Espinoza in the halls of his high school.

Always dressed in black and grey, Esparza, a Redmond High School (RHS) senior, sports a worn out, furring grey beanie.

“It’s something I hold onto, and I won’t let anyone force me to be someone else or dress in some other way,” said Esparza, pointing to his prized possession.

Being only 17, Esparza said that many people had doubted his ability to write, let alone publish a book of his own.

“People usually shrug it off and believe (the book) wouldn’t go through publication. So they are OK with me writing about them,” said Esparza. “But once I announced that it’s published, everyone started to voice their thoughts and concerns.”

Instead of lazing around during the summer, Esparza made use of his free time to experiment. He started his novel at the end of summer 2012, and completed it in March 2013. The book consists of 186 pages of Espinoza’s adventures during his sophomore and junior years.

Esparza’s father funded the book.

“I’m very proud of Bryan in a way that he knows what he wants to do, and what he aims to do with his writing,” said editor Jennifer Mauck, who is also a teacher at RHS. “When he approached me, I have never taught him, I barely knew him. But when he approached me to edit his work, I was skeptical of his aim. Seeing how hard he worked, it was definitely for real.”

Esparza knew that the book would draw attention since it is considered realistic fiction.

“After all,” said Esparza, “who’s in a better position to write about high school than a high school kid?”

“Attitude” is available in Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles’ website and SoulFood books.

Celine Djohan is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.