A Room on Lorelei Street by Mary E. Pearson (0-8050-7667-0) is glowing, haunting novel about Zoe, the daughter of an alcoholic mother who decides to escape her home by renting a room on Lorelei Street. The room is owned by Opal, a warm eccentric elderly woman who understands Zoe. The book is filled with glorious language that lets the reader sink right into Zoe’s thoughts. The characterizations are vivid and complex, including the alcoholic mother who was once a much more caring woman.
This book was a delicious read that should be recommended to teen girls who enjoy problem novels. But it is more than the average problem novel and will hopefully be awarded something by the Printz committee. It is one of my favorites of the year.