I, Lorelei

Book review by Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media
I, Lorelei Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Poignant and funny family tale for tweens.

Yeardley Smith Family Life 2009
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a book that deals with a family going through divorce, school issues, and the loss of a pet. There are also discussions about infidelity and some teasing of students who don't fit in at school.

Community Reviews

Rob79
Rob79 Adult
October 29, 2010
age 10+
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Lorelei's pet cat Mud dies and because she plans on being very famous one day she decides to keep track of her life in a journal written to Mud. This is the best way to keep people from making up facts about her later, but what starts off as a chronicle of school and the things her cat is missing turns more serious as her parents' marriage begins to dissolve. Will she get a part in the school play? What's happening to her once sane and straight-laced father? Will anything ever make sense again?

Is It Any Good?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of having an outlet for their feelings. Why was it important for Lorelei to keep her journal? Do you keep a journal? How does it help you sort through your problems?

Book Details

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