I Am the Cheese

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Story of memory, danger, suspense, and trauma.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

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.

  • 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.
  • The main character's family is stalked and murdered.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

This strange psychological mystery follows Adam as he bicycles from Massachusetts to Vermont, retracing his past as he uncovers his family's history in the witness protection program. Alternating chapters insert psychological examinations that attempt to uncover Adam's buried memories. The surprise ending reveals just what was real and what was fantasy in this absorbing story.


Is it any good?

 

Despite the complexity of the story, Robert Cormier sustains the suspense throughout the book, and the alternating chapters of interviews heighten the intrigue. Adam's journey propels the reader forward, and the increasing mystery holds the reader's interest all the way to the final, shocking chapter, which unravels the mystery.


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What 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?


This review was written by Monica Wyatt
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
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!

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Adult
December 9, 2008
 
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.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
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.

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Teen, 17 years old
May 25, 2009
 
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

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
February 6, 2012
 
i am puzzled /;-}
I don't even know what this is! I just looked up "cheese".

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This review was written by Monica Wyatt
Author:Robert Cormier
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Contemporary Fiction
Publisher:Laurel-Leaf
Publication date:January 1, 1977
Number of pages:221
Paperback price:$5.50
Publisher's recommended age(s):12 - 14

This review was written by Monica Wyatt
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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