If you haven’t already chuckled at the title of this book you soon will. “ I, Emma Freke” had many comical moments that made me laugh out loud. It is a delightful novel about a twelve year old girl who finds her “joylah” and herself in the process. Emma has reached that horrible point in... more

If you haven’t already chuckled at the title of this book you soon will. “ I, Emma Freke” had many comical moments that made me laugh out loud. It is a delightful novel about a twelve year old girl who finds her “joylah” and herself in the process. Emma has reached that horrible point in life where children become adolescents, better known as pre-teen, and are uncomfortable and awkward in their own bodies. The novel chronicles a couple months of change in Emma’s life as she goes from uncertain and unnoticed to confident and content. Emma has her share of oddities that contribute to her discomfort. She is quite tall for her age, making it impossible for people to believe she is twelve. In fact, most adults think she is significantly older. Emma has a mother who refuses to be called mom, really she refuses to be a mom and lets Emma do whatever she pleases without notice or question. Her preference is that others see Emma as a worker in their store “Freke Beads & More” rather than knowing she is her daughter. Emma has never met her father or his side of the family, though her vibrant red hair seems to be a trait passed on by them. Through a series of events Emma is given the opportunity to meet the Freke Clan. The experience is life changing as Emma finally realizes where she belongs, who her friends are and most importantly, who she is. This book was an excellent read. I recommend it for adolescent readers ages 10 -13. I enjoyed the book and found it comical as well as educational in regards to the thoughts and feelings kids Emma’s age may experience. I felt many readers Emma’s age would be able to relate to her thoughts and feelings as I was reminded of my adolescence and coming of age. Overall, this novel was a good read with comical bits that relates to its intended audience. Readers of many ages will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy “I, Emma Freke”. Reviewed for BookPleasures.com also posted on my blog

Elizabeth Atkinson’s new book for middle readers, I, EMMA FREKE, is a charming story about smart, shy, nearly six-feet-tall, 12-year-old Emma, who feels like a misfit at school and at home. It doesn’t help that her name said aloud sounds like Am a Freak. Emma spends her time minding her m... more

Elizabeth Atkinson’s new book for middle readers, I, EMMA FREKE, is a charming story about smart, shy, nearly six-feet-tall, 12-year-old Emma, who feels like a misfit at school and at home. It doesn’t help that her name said aloud sounds like Am a Freak. Emma spends her time minding her mother’s bead store in a New England seaport, more comfortable with customers than with her peers. Her flighty single mom, Donatella, is too busy dating to make dinner and her grandpa is clueless. Her only friends are the local librarian and a precocious 10-year-old adopted by the two “Grey Moms” next door. Over night, Emma’s world changes when she receives an invitation to the Freke Family Reunion in the wilds of Wisconsin — the other side of her family that she’s never met. But her fellow Frekes aren’t at all what she expects. Although she looks like them, she still may not fit in. While Emma struggles to find her niche, she discovers that perhaps it’s better to be her own freak than someone else’s Freke. This is a wonderful book for middle readers -- you'll fall in love with the characters!