When a quick online search for a book about extroverts came up empty, 11-year-old Menlo Park resident Charlotte Anthony decided she needed to write her own story.

Charlotte, a Hillview Middle School sixth grader, self-published an illustrated children's book, "Loud," in paperback last month on Amazon. It follows the character Calliope, a chatty girl who is labeled a disruptive child and eventually becomes a corporate leader after being told over and over again by parents, teachers and friends to be quiet.

"It's really exciting, and also shocking," Charlotte said. "It's actually up there (online). I actually published a book."

Her inspiration for writing and illustrating the 42-page book? Charlotte quotes award-winning children's book author Beverly Cleary: "If you don't see the book you want on the shelves, write it."

"Loud" mirrors Charlotte's own experiences as an extrovert. The book explores the disconnect between the skills needed to succeed in school and in office settings. It also highlights the importance of the arts in public schools.

"I want children to learn to appreciate their voices," said Charlotte, who also enjoys music and theater. "Speaking up is a good thing and is something you should be proud of."

Charlotte began working on the book at the end of May, while she was also juggling summer drama and art camps. She first created a storyboard, then sketched each drawing and dialogue on sheets of paper. Finally, she drew the illustrations on an iPad and wrote the story. She published it on Sept. 10.

"I learned that if you're writing a book, just go for writing it and jump on it," she said. "Don't wait. All you need is a pen and an idea."

Menlo Park-based writing teacher Jennifer Tsay worked with Charlotte in an after-school creative writing program at Oak Knoll School and during a creative writing summer program. Tsay said Charlotte is one of those students who is special, and reminds her of Shonda Rhimes, a creator, head writer and executive producer of numerous TV shows.

"She (Charlotte) loves the written word and she loves to write," Tsay said. "I'm not surprised at all (that she's published a book)."

Tsay also says Charlotte proves that writers aren't all quiet and can have different personalities. "She definitely just likes to tell her stories to people," Tsay said.

A portion of the book's proceeds are going to DonorsChoose.org to help teachers buy school supplies for their classrooms.

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