Ian and Y2C2 Were Right

When Ms. Lau visited to talk about Young Young Critics to our 3rd and 4th grade she mentioned that I, Lorelei by Yeardly Smith was voted top pick by Perrot's book group. According to Ian, one of our 4th (now 5th graders), "Don't pay attention to the cover; it's not just for girls and if you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid you'll really like this."

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of any DOAWK but Ian's sales pitch was intriguing. I just finished I, Lorelei and have to say - it is a lovely read. Lorelei at 11 is experiencing both highs and lows: she made the school play but her parents are not getting along; Bo, one of the most popular boys in her class has asked her to study but her best friend Jenny is not being particularly nice. When your mom isn't always available, who to turn to? Lorelei starts a diary and each entry starts with, "Dear Mud..." Mud, as we find out early on, is Lorelei's cat who died. All the things she might have said to Mud were he alive, she writes to him. And it is through writing Lorelei learns that life isn't perfect and that she, along with her brothers, can make it together.