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Franny Parker
"Rings on a tree tell a story," Franny Parker tells Lucas Dunn. "They tell you about its seasons, if they've been plentiful or not." So far, the rings of Franny's life have been marked by her family, their farm, their dusty little Oklahoma town – all of it so familiar. But in the summer of her thirteenth year, the Dunns move in next door, harboring painful secrets. From the moment Franny meets Lucas, the two begin a friendship that introduces Franny to the large world beyond her barnyard fence. As their town endures one of the harshest droughts in decades, Franny learns that those in need are not just those others you hear about in church or school; they can be injured wildlife or even the family next door. When her own family suffers a loss, Franny must find the courage to look beyond her sadness to aid a friend in need.
This tender, beautifully written debut novel is the story of a summer full of promises and pain, a season that, although one of the hardest in Franny Parker's life, turns out to be plentiful.
This tender, beautifully written debut novel is the story of a summer full of promises and pain, a season that, although one of the hardest in Franny Parker's life, turns out to be plentiful.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2009
5 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 5, 2009
Wow! This one will make you laugh and cry out loud, and is is beautifully written. Franny is a spunky 13 year old girl who lives on a farm. She's the middle child of a hilarious family, with a 'professional' teenager sister, Sidda, and funny, mischievous little brother, Ben. Her funny friend Pearl offers plenty of laughs. Add a cast of orphaned and injured wildlife to the mix, and you have a summer of animal adventure. Together they ride horses and rescue wild animals during a terrible summer drought in their rural community.
But one day a stranger moves in next door. Handsome and mysterious Lucas Dunn is a sweet but troubled boy with a secret. As he and Franny become close friends, Franny learns that his secret is a threat to her family and to Lucas. Should she tell someone? Who? What will Lucas think of her, then? And who is the unwelcome guest who arrives at Lucas's house and threatens all of them?
Franny struggles with very real and difficult decisions. McKinnon handles a tough topic with sensitivity and grace, while being true to her characters. You will find humor, sadness, adventure, danger, romance and hope in this incredibly written new novel. I loved the interwoven tales of family, and how the different generations of women come together to protect and share with one another. I recommend it strongly to all. This is a very sweet, heart warming story of doing the right thing and finding courage for any middle school student or classroom.
But one day a stranger moves in next door. Handsome and mysterious Lucas Dunn is a sweet but troubled boy with a secret. As he and Franny become close friends, Franny learns that his secret is a threat to her family and to Lucas. Should she tell someone? Who? What will Lucas think of her, then? And who is the unwelcome guest who arrives at Lucas's house and threatens all of them?
Franny struggles with very real and difficult decisions. McKinnon handles a tough topic with sensitivity and grace, while being true to her characters. You will find humor, sadness, adventure, danger, romance and hope in this incredibly written new novel. I loved the interwoven tales of family, and how the different generations of women come together to protect and share with one another. I recommend it strongly to all. This is a very sweet, heart warming story of doing the right thing and finding courage for any middle school student or classroom.
February 20, 2025
This is a coming of age story set in Oklahoma during a drought. Overall, the characters and storyline were interesting, but I didn’t like the author’s choice to include some strange spirituality in the story. The grandma was supposedly a Christian who attended church, but then it said she could “conjure up rain” by speaking a rhyme. This sounds an awful lot like an incantation.
Then at the end of the book, grandma and her friends believed they could do a rain dance to bring the rain. These things didn’t add up for me. A Christian would not do that. If they needed rain, a Christian would pray and ask God to intervene.
Anyway, the above examples brought a 4 star story down to a 2 star story and unfortunately I cannot recommend this book.
Then at the end of the book, grandma and her friends believed they could do a rain dance to bring the rain. These things didn’t add up for me. A Christian would not do that. If they needed rain, a Christian would pray and ask God to intervene.
Anyway, the above examples brought a 4 star story down to a 2 star story and unfortunately I cannot recommend this book.
May 28, 2020
Not bad! I've had this book for YEARS and only just now got around to reading it. Based on the cover, I had always thought it would be a story about a girl and her dog in which the dog dies in the end, but the dog had a surprisingly low presence in the book. What also surprised me were the issues this book dealt with (domestic abuse, alcoholism), especially considering this is a children's book, but I feel like they were handled very well and made easy to understand for a child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 17, 2020This is JF book that my oldest checked out from the library and I read because I couldn't find my own book. It's a good story, about a girl living in Oklahoma in a dry summertime, who has a neighbor boy with a mystery surrounding him move in next door. Still, I couldn't help thinking as I read some of the prose, "This sounds like the sort of thing adults think kids ought to like."
June 14, 2019
Certainly less depressing than any other Oklahoma book I could have picked
June 11, 2011
Franny Parker is a summer story of a girl growing up in Oklahoma. She is known for rescuing animals and people from all over the rural community bring wounded animals to her to nurse back to health. One day, Franny notices a boy and his mom have moved into the house just down the road from her. She meets the boy, Lucas, and they form a friendship. They spend a lot of time together, helping the wounded critters and Franny begins to learn more about his past, however there is something he keeps hidden.
Lucas and his mother are reserved, and seem to be hiding something from everyone. One day, a stranger shows up at their house and they no longer come outside. Franny's family has their suspicions, but the Dunn family doesn't seem to want help. When an accident happens at Franny's house, they have to rely on the community around them to help, and then figure out how to help Lucas and his mom.
This is such a sweet, innocent story that deals with hard issues in an honest way. The sense of small-town community is evident through the group of old women who get together weekly to quilt and discuss the happenings of the town. There is also such a strong sense of family, reflected in Franny's life, and a broken family with Lucas. There are secrets, love, mystery, and adventure in this story.
I would recommend this for 10-13 year olds. The book tackles hard issues, but does so with grace and hope.
Here are my favorite quotes from the book:
"Sometimes even the kindest gestures get boxed up wrong and arrive on your front porch in pieces. You've just got to try to remember what it started out as, is all."
"I understand now what I learned that day. That the world outside our barnyard fence was large and strange, a shock to the gauzy comfort I had wrapped myself in all those years."
"Sometimes people do desperate things."
"These people on the wall, your people, they had hope in the bleakest hour. And that hope runs in a family. Can't you feel it coursing through your veins right now?"
"Another thing I learned is that family comes in all shapes and sizes. And family's not just the people you share your blood with. Take the power of friendship. There are lifelong friends you can't seem to shake, and new friends who find themselves in your backyard. Just like family, a good friend will stand by you, pull you into a living room of laughter, or out of the flames that lick the sky above you. Friendship is a powerful thing."
Lucas and his mother are reserved, and seem to be hiding something from everyone. One day, a stranger shows up at their house and they no longer come outside. Franny's family has their suspicions, but the Dunn family doesn't seem to want help. When an accident happens at Franny's house, they have to rely on the community around them to help, and then figure out how to help Lucas and his mom.
This is such a sweet, innocent story that deals with hard issues in an honest way. The sense of small-town community is evident through the group of old women who get together weekly to quilt and discuss the happenings of the town. There is also such a strong sense of family, reflected in Franny's life, and a broken family with Lucas. There are secrets, love, mystery, and adventure in this story.
I would recommend this for 10-13 year olds. The book tackles hard issues, but does so with grace and hope.
Here are my favorite quotes from the book:
"Sometimes even the kindest gestures get boxed up wrong and arrive on your front porch in pieces. You've just got to try to remember what it started out as, is all."
"I understand now what I learned that day. That the world outside our barnyard fence was large and strange, a shock to the gauzy comfort I had wrapped myself in all those years."
"Sometimes people do desperate things."
"These people on the wall, your people, they had hope in the bleakest hour. And that hope runs in a family. Can't you feel it coursing through your veins right now?"
"Another thing I learned is that family comes in all shapes and sizes. And family's not just the people you share your blood with. Take the power of friendship. There are lifelong friends you can't seem to shake, and new friends who find themselves in your backyard. Just like family, a good friend will stand by you, pull you into a living room of laughter, or out of the flames that lick the sky above you. Friendship is a powerful thing."
September 3, 2010
Sigh. I WANTED this to be a story about a dog and a girl. Or a girl and a dog. But alas, it is not. So many of my 2nd-4th grade girls want 'dog books,' and I hoped this would be a good one.
It is a good story, nonetheless, but you should tell your reader that it is most definitely not a dog story. There is a family dog, named Jax, but he is only mentioned briefly.
Franny Parker is the older sister to Ben and the younger sister to Sidda. They live on a farm in Oklahoma with their parents, and Franny enjoys a summer spent taking care of animals in her barn, sort of a makeshift animal hospital, where she nurses mice, possums, swallows, and a cracked turtle named 'Speedbump,' to health. Franny's grandmother also has a bunch of colorful friends, one being a lady named Izzy who wears crazy hats, and they get together to quilt.
Franny's summer is interrupted by the arrival of a handsome young boy named Lucas Dunn and his mother - they move in to the house next door, and Franny notices right away the boy's gentle spirit. While Sidda would rather Lucas like her, Franny is the one he is interested in, and they develop a friendship (and hold hands on the ferris wheel at the fair).
Something is wrong, though...Franny notices Lucas and his mother don't want their name painted on their mailbox. She notices how Lucas mentioned his dad was dead but his mother said that he's just not with them anymore. As an adult, I guessed right away that Mr. Dunn was abusive.
Mr. Dunn appears and the Parkers know something is wrong with him. Franny even notices bruises all up and down Lucas's arms. The Parkers are helpless to act until one night when they hear a loud fight coming from the Dunn's home. Mrs. Parker breaks it up, but Lucas runs away, taking $3000 from the town store.
Franny guesses that Lucas is hiding out behind her barn, and she leaves him food there.
Lucas emerges from hiding on the night that Franny's barn goes up in smoke...Franny almost dies trying to rescue one of her animals, and Lucas pulls her to safety. Though the area had been experiencing a drought, the cause of the fire is most certainly arson, and Mr. Dunn is accused of setting the fire.
I liked the story and how gently the love story was treated.
It is a good story, nonetheless, but you should tell your reader that it is most definitely not a dog story. There is a family dog, named Jax, but he is only mentioned briefly.
Franny Parker is the older sister to Ben and the younger sister to Sidda. They live on a farm in Oklahoma with their parents, and Franny enjoys a summer spent taking care of animals in her barn, sort of a makeshift animal hospital, where she nurses mice, possums, swallows, and a cracked turtle named 'Speedbump,' to health. Franny's grandmother also has a bunch of colorful friends, one being a lady named Izzy who wears crazy hats, and they get together to quilt.
Franny's summer is interrupted by the arrival of a handsome young boy named Lucas Dunn and his mother - they move in to the house next door, and Franny notices right away the boy's gentle spirit. While Sidda would rather Lucas like her, Franny is the one he is interested in, and they develop a friendship (and hold hands on the ferris wheel at the fair).
Something is wrong, though...Franny notices Lucas and his mother don't want their name painted on their mailbox. She notices how Lucas mentioned his dad was dead but his mother said that he's just not with them anymore. As an adult, I guessed right away that Mr. Dunn was abusive.
Mr. Dunn appears and the Parkers know something is wrong with him. Franny even notices bruises all up and down Lucas's arms. The Parkers are helpless to act until one night when they hear a loud fight coming from the Dunn's home. Mrs. Parker breaks it up, but Lucas runs away, taking $3000 from the town store.
Franny guesses that Lucas is hiding out behind her barn, and she leaves him food there.
Lucas emerges from hiding on the night that Franny's barn goes up in smoke...Franny almost dies trying to rescue one of her animals, and Lucas pulls her to safety. Though the area had been experiencing a drought, the cause of the fire is most certainly arson, and Mr. Dunn is accused of setting the fire.
I liked the story and how gently the love story was treated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2015
”It was a gesture, Franny,” she tells me. “Sometimes even the kindest ones get boxed up wrong and arrive on your front porch in pieces. You’ve just got to try to remember what it started out as, is all.”
I finally understood what Mama meant the summer of my thirteenth year. That summer there were many good intentions that turned out just fine, and quite a few that turned out all wrong.” p. 4-5
It has been awhile since I read a book based on the Book Brahmin column on Shelf Awareness (www.shelf-awareness.com). In the past, I have found books to read based on what the writers said they were reading. I met James Salter, Barbara Trapido , Rebecca Stead and others because of this column.
This time, I decided to read a book by the author who was being interviewed. There was something in the way McKinnon answered the standard questions that made me want to read one of her novels. Franny Parker is the only book by McKinnon at my local library.
Franny’s tale was short and enjoyable. Although I am not the intended audience, I was glad to meet the Parker family and others from this small town. I believe that McKinnon got the story right for tweens. Learning that other girls experience some of the same joys and problems that they do make this a sympathetic read. Girls who are in middle school should be able to relate to Franny.
I really connected with the parents in this novel. They were put in an awkward place both by their children and by their neighbors. I thought their actions were well portrayed and understandable under the circumstances. I am not sure that teen-aged readers would see their parents in the same light, but you never know.
I recommend this book to younger teens and possibly their parents. Although spousal abuse is a hard topic, McKinnon has given families a way to talk about it in the abstract. I believe that learning that not all families are the same is an important lesson for us all.
I finally understood what Mama meant the summer of my thirteenth year. That summer there were many good intentions that turned out just fine, and quite a few that turned out all wrong.” p. 4-5
It has been awhile since I read a book based on the Book Brahmin column on Shelf Awareness (www.shelf-awareness.com). In the past, I have found books to read based on what the writers said they were reading. I met James Salter, Barbara Trapido , Rebecca Stead and others because of this column.
This time, I decided to read a book by the author who was being interviewed. There was something in the way McKinnon answered the standard questions that made me want to read one of her novels. Franny Parker is the only book by McKinnon at my local library.
Franny’s tale was short and enjoyable. Although I am not the intended audience, I was glad to meet the Parker family and others from this small town. I believe that McKinnon got the story right for tweens. Learning that other girls experience some of the same joys and problems that they do make this a sympathetic read. Girls who are in middle school should be able to relate to Franny.
I really connected with the parents in this novel. They were put in an awkward place both by their children and by their neighbors. I thought their actions were well portrayed and understandable under the circumstances. I am not sure that teen-aged readers would see their parents in the same light, but you never know.
I recommend this book to younger teens and possibly their parents. Although spousal abuse is a hard topic, McKinnon has given families a way to talk about it in the abstract. I believe that learning that not all families are the same is an important lesson for us all.
August 17, 2009
Franny has grown up in a small Oklahoma town surrounded by her loving family. She has become known for rescuing baby animals and the entire town now brings her tiny furry bundles. When Lucas moves in next door, Franny naively thinks that his past is similar to hers. But readers will realize before Franny does that Lucas and his mother have serious problems that they are running from. Rescuing Lucas proves much more difficult than rescuing animals, and Franny is not sure that they even want to be rescued at all.
McKinnon’s debut novel is very strong. Her characterization of the rather naive Franny also shows Franny’s wisdom about certain things. Lucas is portrayed as much more than a troubled teen with his own way with animals and children. The adults in the small community are drawn with history, clarity and style. This is a family that I loved spending time with.
Small touches in the novel make it even more grounded and real. The annual reading contest at the library, the local fair, and a strong connection to the rural landscape bring the setting fully to life. McKinnon has a strong sense of place and character.
And the cover! Love it! It has a freshness, a friendliness, that perfectly matches what is inside.
Franny is a character readers will love meeting. She is inspirational, interesting and unique. Highly recommended for ages 11-13.
McKinnon’s debut novel is very strong. Her characterization of the rather naive Franny also shows Franny’s wisdom about certain things. Lucas is portrayed as much more than a troubled teen with his own way with animals and children. The adults in the small community are drawn with history, clarity and style. This is a family that I loved spending time with.
Small touches in the novel make it even more grounded and real. The annual reading contest at the library, the local fair, and a strong connection to the rural landscape bring the setting fully to life. McKinnon has a strong sense of place and character.
And the cover! Love it! It has a freshness, a friendliness, that perfectly matches what is inside.
Franny is a character readers will love meeting. She is inspirational, interesting and unique. Highly recommended for ages 11-13.
May 5, 2010
Franny Parker is a 12-year-old girl living in a farming community in Oklahoma. It's a tough summer for the community. There's a drought like the town hasn't seen in a long time. A community blueberry orchard and farm is ruined by fire. And many in the town are applying for state aid. That's how tough it is.
But, there might be one bright spot. New neighbors move in next door to the Parker family. Just a mother and son. However, there's something a little off about these two. Lucas, the son, is quite friendly and enjoys helping Franny with her wildlife rescue hospital (much to the chagrin of her older sister Sidda). Franny is intrigued by the mysterious lack of a father in Lucas' family.
Then one day, a strange man shows up at Lucas' house. Nothing's the same after that.
This was an amazingly beautiful book. Author McKinnon displays a strong writing style that I haven't seen in a long time. For example, "Pearl was the oldest child in a family of six kids, which meant she had the dubious distinction of being the first representative of the Jones family in every endeavor the public might witness." (pg.15) There are very few children's writers who write like this any more. We need more!!!
But, there might be one bright spot. New neighbors move in next door to the Parker family. Just a mother and son. However, there's something a little off about these two. Lucas, the son, is quite friendly and enjoys helping Franny with her wildlife rescue hospital (much to the chagrin of her older sister Sidda). Franny is intrigued by the mysterious lack of a father in Lucas' family.
Then one day, a strange man shows up at Lucas' house. Nothing's the same after that.
This was an amazingly beautiful book. Author McKinnon displays a strong writing style that I haven't seen in a long time. For example, "Pearl was the oldest child in a family of six kids, which meant she had the dubious distinction of being the first representative of the Jones family in every endeavor the public might witness." (pg.15) There are very few children's writers who write like this any more. We need more!!!
September 23, 2012
Franny Parker
192 pages
Hannah Roberts
Franny Parker is about a girl who lives in Oklahoma with her family and her dog. Franny loves animals very much and wants to help them as much as she can since the terrible drought.She wants to make an animal hostpital in her farm but she has to save enough money to beable to keep it going. Near the middle of the story she is only up to fourty two dollars. One day Franny realizes that the new next door neighbors are moving in. The boy was about Frannys age and was named Lucas. Lucas said they always move from place to place all the time because of his fathers job so they wont be here long. Lucas decides to help Franny put with her animal hostpital. Read this book and you will find out if she reaches her goal or not!!!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 because I loved the fact that it had to do with animals, and how there was a dog on the front cover. I also liked the fact that there was a drought so I got to see how it could effect the animals. From peoples dogs, to birds living in the trees. One more reason I liked this book is because of how you could see Lucases and Franys friendship grow from one day to the next. So, thats what I thought of this book.
192 pages
Hannah Roberts
Franny Parker is about a girl who lives in Oklahoma with her family and her dog. Franny loves animals very much and wants to help them as much as she can since the terrible drought.She wants to make an animal hostpital in her farm but she has to save enough money to beable to keep it going. Near the middle of the story she is only up to fourty two dollars. One day Franny realizes that the new next door neighbors are moving in. The boy was about Frannys age and was named Lucas. Lucas said they always move from place to place all the time because of his fathers job so they wont be here long. Lucas decides to help Franny put with her animal hostpital. Read this book and you will find out if she reaches her goal or not!!!
I give this book a 5 out of 5 because I loved the fact that it had to do with animals, and how there was a dog on the front cover. I also liked the fact that there was a drought so I got to see how it could effect the animals. From peoples dogs, to birds living in the trees. One more reason I liked this book is because of how you could see Lucases and Franys friendship grow from one day to the next. So, thats what I thought of this book.
March 14, 2015
This book is on our local Battle of the Books list for 5th & 6th graders this year. I really liked it...it has a very homespun storytelling feel to the writing. It reminded me (in the "feel" and the "voice," not the plot) of The Secret Life of Bees, but for young readers. Franny's barn "animal rescue" hospital would have been a dream come true for my young self. I also like the way the novel deals with a really serious issue in a way that is authentic, but works for younger readers--and doesn't overpower the rest of the story.
I love the author's writing style...and especially the last few sentences, that sum up the theme of the book, without giving anything away: "Although that summer was one of the hardest, it was really the beginning. In me it added to the rings of my tree, the hope and the sadness, the trying and the giving up, and trying all over again. It filled me up, spilling into my branches, unfurling my leaves. My limbs tingled with the energy of it. And I grew."
Read alike ideas for other people who like Franny Parker: So B It by Sarah Weeks (Elementary/Middle School), Letting Go of Bobby James or How I Found my Self of Steam by Valerie Hobbs (teen), Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts (adult).
I love the author's writing style...and especially the last few sentences, that sum up the theme of the book, without giving anything away: "Although that summer was one of the hardest, it was really the beginning. In me it added to the rings of my tree, the hope and the sadness, the trying and the giving up, and trying all over again. It filled me up, spilling into my branches, unfurling my leaves. My limbs tingled with the energy of it. And I grew."
Read alike ideas for other people who like Franny Parker: So B It by Sarah Weeks (Elementary/Middle School), Letting Go of Bobby James or How I Found my Self of Steam by Valerie Hobbs (teen), Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts (adult).
December 7, 2011
Franny Parker
by Hannah Roberts McKinnon
Franny is a future veterinarian in the making—her favorite pastime? Franny collects injured animals, especially the wild, non-domestic types, and nurses them all back to good health. When new neighbors arrive next door, Lucas and his mom Lindy, Franny realizes that not only animals need help to get well. This novel was easy and quick to read, but the conflict, what really makes me get into a book, came too late in the story. I don't think I suspected that there would even be a real problem to solve until at least chapter seven. It was also a little strange to me that Franny and Lucas sort of seemed to have a little romance blooming, and yet Franny seemed like she was only about ten years old. She was way too young to be involved with a guy in my opinion. Lastly, the antagonist, the villain, was not very threatening or scary to me. The book might be short and easy to read, but it is not one of my favorite books—perhaps it would be better for younger kids? If you read it and like it, let me know why I may be wrong.
by Hannah Roberts McKinnon
Franny is a future veterinarian in the making—her favorite pastime? Franny collects injured animals, especially the wild, non-domestic types, and nurses them all back to good health. When new neighbors arrive next door, Lucas and his mom Lindy, Franny realizes that not only animals need help to get well. This novel was easy and quick to read, but the conflict, what really makes me get into a book, came too late in the story. I don't think I suspected that there would even be a real problem to solve until at least chapter seven. It was also a little strange to me that Franny and Lucas sort of seemed to have a little romance blooming, and yet Franny seemed like she was only about ten years old. She was way too young to be involved with a guy in my opinion. Lastly, the antagonist, the villain, was not very threatening or scary to me. The book might be short and easy to read, but it is not one of my favorite books—perhaps it would be better for younger kids? If you read it and like it, let me know why I may be wrong.
June 5, 2009
Adorable and so sweet, I truly enjoyed this one about a brave 13 year old girl who stands up for herself. Franny is an animal lover with a makeshift animal hospital in her barn. She befriends a kind teenage boy who needs her help, and she must find the courage to do what she knows is right. The family values and animal ties will bind your heart. The writing is evocative. I cheered for Franny and found her to be a role model kid to all. I was a little surprised that this seemingly sweet cover actually is a book about a serious topic, but it is well handled and presented. A friend just used this in a local book club with eight 12 year old girls, and they loved it. I'm giving this as a gift to my family and friends.
June 8, 2011
I really enjoyed this story. The book was just sitting on my counter. My younger siblings must have gotten it from school and I decided to give it a read. It was really short, I read it in about 2 hours. But the story is touching. Its a story about a young girl who goes through a difficult summer in Oklahoma. The summer is not only difficult because of the unrelenting drought that is forcing many farmers out of business. But also because of a mother and son who move in next door who need help, but refuse to except it.
Its a great book for young kids. It has everything. Staying true to your friends, loving your family, even extending a helping hand to injured and orphaned animals. A nice weekend read.
Its a great book for young kids. It has everything. Staying true to your friends, loving your family, even extending a helping hand to injured and orphaned animals. A nice weekend read.
January 25, 2014
This is a well-reviewed and beautifully written book by a first time novelist that takes place during one dry summer in Oklahoma. The writing is excellent and the plot pulls the reader in and doesn't let go. The story touches on many topics from the Dust Bowl of 1936 to rain conjuring but the main themes are family violence and helping those in need. Franny learns that those in need can be as close as the people living next doorbut sometimes those who need help the most don'e want to accept it.
I really liked this book. I read it for a Children's Biblio-therapy class that I was taking. I think it would be an excellent tool for a child in a similar situation; witnessing family violence and not knowing how to help, but I would also recommend it as an really good book.
I really liked this book. I read it for a Children's Biblio-therapy class that I was taking. I think it would be an excellent tool for a child in a similar situation; witnessing family violence and not knowing how to help, but I would also recommend it as an really good book.
November 23, 2010
I first read this book after my daughter's fifth grade teacher recommended it, and boy am I glad she did! There are so few books out there that aren't about chasing boys, being catty, getting revenger- all the stuff teens like but that isn't what I would qualify as true literature. This is literature! What a beautiful and heartbreaking story. I was caught up pretty fast in it and I loved the funny family cast and all the wonderful animals throughout. However, there is great depth and seriousness here, handled elegantly. Franny is hopeful and a wonderful role model, and I recommend this to all teen an pre-teenn girls.
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September 25, 2012The book Franny Parker is more geared for students in the 4th through 6th grade. There are no pictures and it is a short chapter book. However the story is great, and exposes children to the realities of life from people in our own backyards. It teaches the importance of getting out of the bubbles of life that so many of us are used to. The characters seem real, and they all have so much personality that make the fiction come to life and feel real. I would recommend students to read this at home, because it is personal, however I would also recommend reading it in a classroom because of the morals it teaches.
October 18, 2009
I quickly became involved with the story of Franny and her warm, close family living through a very hot, dry summer in Oklahoma. When Lucas moved next door, the mystery and danger surrounding him created suspense throughout the rest of the novel. Franny truly came of age during that summer and grew up in her understanding of the multiple sides of life. She is telling the story from a few years later. I loved the secondary characters also, especially the old ladies of the quilting club...The Bees.
April 19, 2011
Helping each other is what friends do, even if they're not sure how exactly to go about doing it. As Franny finds out in this book sometimes you have the best intentions and want so badly to help someone but there's nothing you can do until they're willing to accept it. This book is about a girl who desperately loves her family, her farm, her animals and her friends. It's a feel good kind of story that shows a young girl who tries to always do what she thinks is right and loyal to those around her.
May 5, 2011
Reading this, I wanted to take the summer off, find Franny's house and move there - even quilt on Fridays with her grandmother. Lovely summery words, sensations and magic. I also enjoyed Franny's accidental passion - her animals, the descriptions of how everyone found them, brought them and even in tough times, left a bit of something to care for them. I also liked Franny's older sister - we older sisters have to stick together, I guess. I wasn't much different, I don't think. Not bad, just that confused age when being an adult seems like a grand thing. Franny knew better and was the wiser.
April 25, 2012
Got this YA book from the library for Ella because it had a cute dog on the cover and it sounded like a sweet story. She rarely shares her reading with me, but asked me to read this book when she was finished. After a few days, she left me a note and asked that I read it ASAP. Now I was curious! This is a great book. And really sweet, despite the heavy subject matter of drought, alcoholism, and abuse. I can see why she was so anxious for me to read it and discuss with her. I'm glad she wanted to share this with me.
October 11, 2009
Franny, animal hospital, new neighbors - learning that those who need help can be right beside you
I liked it and thought it was well written and the characters well developed, but there's a good chance that, unless I made a point of making notes about this book, that I would have forgotten pretty quickly what it was about and that I liked the theme.
I think the jacket art was all wrong for this book...
I liked it and thought it was well written and the characters well developed, but there's a good chance that, unless I made a point of making notes about this book, that I would have forgotten pretty quickly what it was about and that I liked the theme.
I think the jacket art was all wrong for this book...
January 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this beautifully written coming of age story. While following the summer of a thirteen year old girl in Oklahoma, the story tackles some big themes of family, friendship, abuse, and love. The characters are all really well developed and readers won't be able to help, but feel a connection with Franny as she matures and learns the importance of hope. This is a really nice story that I think many children will enjoy.
April 29, 2012
Franny Parker lives in Oklahoma and this summer is the hottest and driest ever(but the dustbowl was worse). This summer the Dunns move in next door. The Dunns have secrets. Sad and painful secrets.
Reasons why I like this book-
Reason 1- The main character is an animal lover.
Reason 2- I could imagine what was happening.
Reason 3- The writing is beautiful and has inspired me to write a book someday.
Reasons why I like this book-
Reason 1- The main character is an animal lover.
Reason 2- I could imagine what was happening.
Reason 3- The writing is beautiful and has inspired me to write a book someday.
September 12, 2009
Beautifully written, wonderful characterizations, terrific themes. Marred a bit, for my money, by subplots that are less believable than the main narrative, but still Franny Parker is one of the best coming-of-age novels for middle readers I've read this year.
July 17, 2010
This is a young teen girl book all the way (especially for animal lovers) -- not many three-dimensional characters, with some cutesy old ladies who dispense wisdom and offer up a funky rainmaking dance in a forest clearing. Readers will encounter ideas about loyalty and family, with a climactic event which puts all the main characters in danger.
August 25, 2009
I really liked this book. For a first time writer she had wonderful characters. Franny is a great girl and her siblings seem real too. It has some hard things in it, but nothing too graphic. The neighbors dad finds his wife and son living there. He's a drunk and the son has some bruises.
September 8, 2009
One Sentence Review: I was honestly a little surprised to see that I'd read this when going through my pile of books, but after thinking about it the slow, sweet story came back to me, and I was happier for having seen it.
October 17, 2009
It's hard to say exactly why, but for some reason this book didn't work for me. I liked the idea of the animal hospital, and Franny's supportive family, but somehow the plot line about Lucas' family felt contrived and inauthentic.
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