My daughter's 4th grade class read 'Frindle' which is how I 'discovered' it. Now why I didn't know about it before, I can't say. I mean this book has won over 20 awards world-wide.
The story is about 5th Grader, Nick Allen. He's an imaginative small town boy, but that doesn't lead to trouble until he invents a word-- Frindle. A 'frindle' is just another word for pen but it's invention sets off a battle of will with Nick's grim teacher, Mrs. Granger -- a woman seriously devoted to the dictionary. Matters between them escalate as news of the new word spreads and matters get seriously out of control. As the conflict escalates, Nick has to figure out whether he will stick up for what he believes or cave to the pressure that is put on him. He and various other people in the small town also need to determine how they will deal with all the press.
Talking Points:::
Frindle is an amazing book that has changed my whole perspective about what can be accomplished by a book for elementary aged kids. I'm afraid I've read so many books for this age group that basically little more than shallow adventures or chicklit for smallfry. But here is a book that not only has humor and light human drama, but also gives kids insight into how The 4th Estate (the Press) works, and how words originate and evolve.
The writing is easy and the plot moves ahead speedily. There's a good deal of humor, and I thought it was particularly funny that Nick ended up on the Tonight Show. The ending with Mrs. Granger and Nick is touching and sweet.
Heartily recommend this one.
Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs
Frindle
Accelerated Reading level : 5.6
- Paperback: 112 pages
- Publisher: Aladdin (February 1, 1998)
- ISBN-10: 0689818769
- See-a-Sample
2 comments :
After "Frindle", I read "The Landry News". I think I still have it somewhere, actually. I remember it's also a cute story but a little less laugh-out-loud enjoyable as "Frindle". A different kind of book but still pretty great.
Okay, now I feel old. And have the urge to reread these books.
I think you should do a guest post, Biblibio. Perhaps something along the line of 'book treasures you might have missed.' Or anything kidlit-ish you'd like to do.
I sense a wealth of knowledge in you. Share, darnit!
(If not here then on your blog :)
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