I, Lorelei (by Yeardley Smith)

I, LORELEI is a great book. Author Yeardley Smith, best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson on the hit animated sitcom The Simpsons, knows how to capture the voice, mindset ,and humor of 11-year-old girls. Lorelei is funny, sensible, and remarkably in-tune to her feelings and those around her. She's able to clearly articulate and examine her feelings as well as see what motivates others to behave the way they do. For example, Lorelei comes to realize why a school outcast is so awkward -- people have ignored her to the point she feels as if she's invisible -- and decides to become her friend, especially after she feels Saylor wasn't given the part in the school play that she deserved

The one issue many readers will have with the book is that it ends. Poor Lorelei and her family are going through so much, and while most of it is pretty funny, it's also heartbreaking at times, and you hope for a happy ending for this quirky, yet loving family. Instead, Smith leaves audiences hanging, hoping for a sequel.