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I Am the Cheese

(1977, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Robert Cormier)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Story of memory, danger, suspense, and trauma.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Three thugs taunt the main character and knock him off his bicycle with their car. Another boy steals the bicycle, and the main character steals it back.
  • Violence:

    The main character's family is stalked and murdered.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Occasional mild to moderate swearing.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About I Am the Cheese

Parents need to know that this absorbing story alternates chapters of a boy traveling toward something mysterious, and an interviewer trying to uncover the boy's memories. Despite its complexity, the compelling writing entrances readers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Adam's journey as he tries to unravel the mystery. What are the turning points in his journey? What keeps him on track to put all the puzzle pieces together?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 1.0

    it was ok

    i dont think its worth reading, i mean its ok but the kids riding around a mental facility\hospital for Gods sake!! so i vote more stupid than good

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Dark plot and repulsive characters

    The writer barely exposes enough detail to keep the reader going until the last page. Great story, with a very realistic but ugly plot. As the antagonists, Brint and Grey were some of the most repulsive characters ever, with their hidden motives.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Ending was confusing at first...

    At first, the ending was hard to piece together. Then after thinking about it and reviewing the story, I was able to make sense of this stunning thriller.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Very confusing, yet amazing book!

    This is a book that you can't put down. There really isn't anything to fear from it, let your teens read it!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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