as if being 12 3/4 isn't bad enough, my mother is running for president!

By Donna Gephart

Vanessa's mother is running for president , and it is ruining her life. Reporters are snapping pictures of her at awkward moments -- when she is tripping and falling on her face, or when her secret crush is exposed. And her mother is so caught up in campaigning that she forgets to show up at important events like the County Spelling Bee. Doesn't her Mom understand that Vanessa needs her way more than the country does? And how can Vanessa be sure that her Mom will stay safe?

If you think that it is glamorous having a parent who's running for office -- read this!