(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Tyra Banks has a lot "in common" with the main character of her first teen novel.

The 37-year-old supermodel and television presenter has just penned her first tome. The book called Modelland is a novel for teens that follows lead character 15-year-old Tookie De La Crme through her modelling adventures. Tyra feels a deep connection with Tookie, as the character is partly based on the star's own life.

"I started modelling when I was 15, and Tookie gets discovered when she's 15. She has one green eye and one brown eye," Tyra explained to OK! magazine at her Modelland book event at Barnes and Noble Union Square in New York City Wednesday. "Just to let you know, some of Tookie is me and some isn't. She has crazy hair, and a huge forehead. I have quite a large forehead and interesting hair when I don't have fake hair on! So we have a lot in common."

Tyra wants readers to feel empowered by Tookie's trials. Ultimately Tyra hopes her young teenage audience will build up self-esteem from the book.

"[I want readers] to look in the mirror and know that you might not look like some celebrity on a red carpet, but that there's a unique you, and there are so many things that are special about you," Tyra said.

Tyra worked on Modelland for years. To have the book finally out with the public is a great achievement for her.

"I feel so good," Tyra declared. "I've been with Modelland for five years, working on it and polishing it, and having tearful episodes of feeling like I'm not going to meet my deadline. To have it finally be out and see people come to an event is very humbling, and I have to distance myself take myself out of my body to walk out there, or else I'll start crying."

Modelland hit bookshelves on September 13. (C) Cover Media