I, Emma Freke

For the child who feels like an awkward misfit, this story explores finding your place when you don't fit the mold at home or school.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child feels like a square peg in a round hole, whether due to their physical appearance, an awkward name, or a family that doesn't quite seem to 'get' them. It is a comforting and humorous look at the middle school years for kids who feel they haven't found their tribe yet. Twelve-year-old Emma Freke is nearly six feet tall, lives with an eccentric mother, and has never met her father's side of the family. When she finally attends a Freke family reunion, she discovers a world of people who look and act just like her. This story is an excellent tool for discussing identity, the complexity of family legacies, and the importance of self-acceptance. It is perfectly suited for ages 10 to 14, providing a realistic yet hopeful roadmap for navigating social isolation.

Loneliness & Belonging Being Different Family & Siblings Self-Confidence & Identity Growing Up Love & Family Being Left Out Embarrassment

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Themes of feeling unwanted and social isolation.

Sensitive Topics

The book handles issues of identity and family abandonment in a direct, secular, and realistic way. Emma's father is largely absent, and her mother is loving but flighty. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality: Emma doesn't move away to live with her 'perfect' new family, but she gains the confidence to exist in her current world.