I, Emma Freke Review

Thursday, December 9, 2010


What's in a name? I, Emma Freke is a charming search-for-identity story about Emma―the only "normal" member of her quirky family. Her flighty, New Age mom seems to barely have time for a daughter, especially one who annoyingly spoils her mom's youthful façade.

Emma's well-meaning grandpa is clueless. And her only friends are the local librarian and a precocious 10-year old adopted by the two old ladies next door.Smart, shy, and nearly six feet tall, Emma struggles to fit in at school, so she jumps at the opportunity to "home school" until that too turns into another of mom's half-baked ideas.

Taken from GoodReads.

I, Emma Freke follows the story of tweenage Emma, who has never quite in with her peers. She's too tall to blend, she's more comfortable with customers than those her own age, and she's certain that meeting the rest of her distant family will solidify her status as a freak forever. Along the way though, Emma learns that being a Freke doesn't mean she is actually a freak, and being her own person might be better than fitting in after all.

Remember those horrible in-between years where you wore glasses and braces, and you basically looked like a little wombat in clothes? Ok, maybe that was just me, but we all went through our awkward stages, and Emma is living them out in I, Emma Freke. With moments of cringe-worthy hilarity, sweet sensitivity to Emma's young age and personality, the author, Elizabeth Atkinson, cleverly weaves us along Emma's journey to self-discovery with her. Beautifully written in a tone that all ages can appreciate, it's a story that I really enjoyed reading.

I, Emma Freke is a mildly saccharin-sweet coming-of-age story that I can honestly say I've heard nothing about before. I think it is partially because it doesn't really step outside the box of your typical YA contemporary fiction. It's a very cute story, and it definitely has a message about finding one's true self and owning it no matter what. The plot didn't lag, and there was a definite focus throughout, but I can't fight that nagging feeling that it was missing a little something...different. I think it needed an extra edge of tension to be thrown into the mix to make the climax of the story a little more poignant. In that aspect alone, I, Emma Freke fell a little flat for me.

Nevertheless, I, Emma Freke is a very nice story. Well-written with good values and themes, I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to a lower YA to MG audience, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction, realistic fiction, and drama.


I received this book free of charge from the publisher, Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

30 comments:

  1. Sounds fun and the cover is really cute.

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  2. I've never heard of this one before. I don't think it's for me, but would possibly be a good coming-of-age read for younger readers going through those awkward stages. Oh yes, I remember them!

    Lovely review! :)

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  3. I definitely rocked that wombat look - not a pretty picture haha. I think we can all identify with not fitting in at one point or another. Another great review :)

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  4. I'm sorry it fell flat for you, it does sound like a fun sweet book though.I don't normally read MG, but I might have to give this one a read one of these days.

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  5. Not REALLY my kind of book but I do appreciate your review and the wombat look is something I am so accustomed to as well ;).

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  6. Aw, I already feel bad for Emma. It sounds like this would be a good book to give a girl going through those awkward early teen years. Thanks for the review!

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  7. I think I would have enjoyed this one when I was younger. I was always really tall for my age & it sounds like I would have been able to relate to poor Emma well :)

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  8. Glad you enjoyed it...maybe I'll request it from Netgalley too. I saw it on there! I love the cover too.

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  9. Great review. I loved reading your thoughts.

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  10. HA! I think I probably resembled a wombat as well with my wonky teeth and braces. Awesome:) Too bad this one was a bit flat, I always like a cute coming of age story!

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  11. Oh lord, those awkward years...not so sure I want to relive those! So happy to see your review. I'd seen this book popping up, but was curious to read a review, and yours is the first I've found. I'll probably pass though...if it leans a little middle grade, it's prob not for me.

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  12. hmmm... my best friend, aka little cousin, is in middle school. I wonder if she would like this one. I have a hard time getting her to read. She says she doesn't like chapter books. *sighs*

    Names fascinate me. They always have. I love looking up meanings of names and how they create identity.

    Great Review, Honey Bee! Believe me, you were not the only wombat in clothes. I still feel that way. :D

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  13. Sounds like a cute book. You're right that tension helps to make a story into something that really captures you. But there is something about general sweetness.

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  14. I don't think I ever outgrew those awkward years. I am hoping to be a rocking senior citizen though. Great review. Too bad the story fell a bit short.

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  15. awesome review, melissa! sometimes you need a super sweet story :))

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  16. It seems a really good contempory book, I'll add it on my wishlist :)

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  17. Aw... I was hoping for more with a great title like that! However, still looks like you thought it was at least entertaining. :)

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  18. A wombat in clothes, haha! Yes, I've felt like Emma before in my life...

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  19. Nice review, but perhaps something I could skip. There are just too many good books out there

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  20. Great review! I enjoy the occasional contemporary fiction book so maybe I'll pick this one up sometime.

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  21. Sounds like a fun read and I really like the cover! Great review! Happy reading!

    -leslie:)
    booksandmakeup.blogspot.com

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  22. Lovely Review. I like the cover of this book, it seems very carefree....I havent been able to jump in the air like that since before I had babies.....:D

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  23. Sounds like an adorable read. I love the title.

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  24. Sounds kind of cute... I probably would have enjoyed it when I was a teenager, but not so much now.

    Also, re: your comment on my Top 100 YA Novels post... have I found another person who actually doesn't like Shiver?? I won a copy of the book so I read it with great anticipation, anddddd I really didn't like it. Haha, just wanted to comment about that in a place where you're bound to see it.

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  25. This sounded so good. I wanted to read it from NetGalley but the publisher doesn't do kindle format. I guess there are too many pictures. It sounds like such a great book with a good message, but its a bit strange you only gave it 3.5 stars.

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  26. The cover looks cute and the Goodreads description sounds interesting, but judging by your review I don't think this one would be for me. I may see if there's a copy of it in the library though to give my cousin since you did like it and the book sounds as if it would appeal more to MG readers.

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  27. Thanks for the fantastic review, Melissa! I think I might like this one since you recommend it to contemporary fiction lovers. Also, the cover looks so cute. :')

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  28. I love the title of this book! So creative. And I too hated those in between years *shudders* Getting older really is a blessing haha.

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  29. Great honest review! I totally remember those years and honestly can't help but cringing. I just have to check this one out! :)

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  30. I love the idea of this one, and that title is so clever. It sounds adorable and unusual, although it's a pity it lacked that something special. I think I might still like it, so thanks for the illuminating reivew.

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