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Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
A big-hearted, beautiful, and funny novel told from multiple viewpoints about neurodiversity, friendship, and community from the award-winning author of The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle , Leslie Connor. Eleven-year-old Aurora Petrequin’s best friend has never spoken a word to her. In fact, Frenchie Livernois doesn’t talk. Aurora is bouncy, loud and impulsive—“a big old blurter.” Making friends has never come easily. When Frenchie, who is autistic, silently chose Aurora as his person back in third grade, she chose him back. They make a good team, sharing their love of the natural world in coastal Maine. In the woods, Aurora and Frenchie encounter a piebald deer, a rare creature with a coat like a patchwork quilt. Whenever it appears, Aurora feels compelled to follow. At school, Aurora looks out for Frenchie, who has been her classmate until this year. One morning, Frenchie doesn’t make it to his classroom. Aurora feels she’s to blame. The entire town begins to search, and everyone how is it possible that nobody has seen Frenchie? At the heart of this story is the friendship between hyper-talkative Aurora and nonvocal Frenchie. Conflict arises when Aurora is better able to expand her social abilities and finds new friends. When Frenchie goes missing, Aurora must figure out how to use her voice to help find him, and lift him up when he is found. Featuring a compelling mystery and a memorable voice, this is a natural next-read after Leslie Connor’s The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle . * Kids’ Indie Next Pick * New England Book Award Finalists 2022 * “Leslie Connor brilliantly depicts a genuine and meaningful friendship between a dynamic girl and her nonvocal friend. By showing the ways Aurora and Frenchie communicate, Connor gives us a blueprint for seeing autistic children in a new light. I loved, loved, loved this book!” —Cammie McGovern, author of Frankie and Amelia and Chester and Gus
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2022
71 people are currently reading
3559 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Connor
11 books432 followersFrom the author's website:
My life began suddenly (you can even ask my mother) in an antique farmhouse outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I was born right on the family room floor ~ no time to get to the hospital! I swear, I’ve been in a hurry ever since.
When I was in fourth grade we moved to a neighborhood full of kids outside of Schenectady, New York. My Dad worked for a company that sold some of the finest printing papers in all the land. He often brought home big, beautiful, heavy books that pinned me to my chair when I held them in my lap, and I loved to turn the pages, look at the photography and illustrations and smell the ink.
As a kid I took dancing lessons and did gymnastics. I could be found upside-down in odd places like the middle of the stairway, not that I recommend it! My bedroom was a messy nest full of paint sets and paper scraps, embroidery threads and sewing projects. In school I was good at some things and not at all good at others. Still, I found my passions. I went to college, first at SUNY, Cobleskill, where I received an associate’s degree in agriculture, and later at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Ct. where I earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art.
At first, I was interested in children’s books from an illustrator’s point of view. But the writing part surprised me ~ came up from behind and tapped me on the shoulder. I realized that my head and heart were very full of stories and that I should pay attention! My ideas come from everyday life, and I write for readers of all ages.
I live in the Connecticut woods with my husband and three children. (Well, the kids are getting big and they all drive cars now so they come and go a lot these days.) We keep our bird feeders full, do a little gardening and stack a lot of firewood. I hike the trails near my home almost every morning. Then I make a pot of tea and get to work. Usually, my loyal Writing Dogs are right by my side. (Sometimes I even borrow dogs from my neighbors. You can’t have enough dogs.)
I love making artisan pizzas and pots of soup and my favorite treat is dark chocolate. I also love to ride my bike down to the diner to meet my friends for breakfast and more tea. (Hmm...that’s a lot of eating, isn’t it?)
Life is fine!
My life began suddenly (you can even ask my mother) in an antique farmhouse outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I was born right on the family room floor ~ no time to get to the hospital! I swear, I’ve been in a hurry ever since.
When I was in fourth grade we moved to a neighborhood full of kids outside of Schenectady, New York. My Dad worked for a company that sold some of the finest printing papers in all the land. He often brought home big, beautiful, heavy books that pinned me to my chair when I held them in my lap, and I loved to turn the pages, look at the photography and illustrations and smell the ink.
As a kid I took dancing lessons and did gymnastics. I could be found upside-down in odd places like the middle of the stairway, not that I recommend it! My bedroom was a messy nest full of paint sets and paper scraps, embroidery threads and sewing projects. In school I was good at some things and not at all good at others. Still, I found my passions. I went to college, first at SUNY, Cobleskill, where I received an associate’s degree in agriculture, and later at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Ct. where I earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art.
At first, I was interested in children’s books from an illustrator’s point of view. But the writing part surprised me ~ came up from behind and tapped me on the shoulder. I realized that my head and heart were very full of stories and that I should pay attention! My ideas come from everyday life, and I write for readers of all ages.
I live in the Connecticut woods with my husband and three children. (Well, the kids are getting big and they all drive cars now so they come and go a lot these days.) We keep our bird feeders full, do a little gardening and stack a lot of firewood. I hike the trails near my home almost every morning. Then I make a pot of tea and get to work. Usually, my loyal Writing Dogs are right by my side. (Sometimes I even borrow dogs from my neighbors. You can’t have enough dogs.)
I love making artisan pizzas and pots of soup and my favorite treat is dark chocolate. I also love to ride my bike down to the diner to meet my friends for breakfast and more tea. (Hmm...that’s a lot of eating, isn’t it?)
Life is fine!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
February 6, 2022
SUN RAIN WIND SWEPT
BUD BLOSSOM BERRY
SWEET EARTH ROOTS KEPT
MAKE A SOUL MERRY~Poem Barn in Sundrop Meadow
This poem is a very special piece of Leslie Connor's latest book. What happened to Frenchie this morning? Aurora and Frenchie are the best of friends. While Aurora is boisterous and impulsive, Frenchie is noverbal and on the spectrum. They have just started 6th grade, but are in separate classes for the first time. Usually when they get to school Aurora walks the plaid and khaki-clad Frenchie to his classroom to meet Mr. Menkis, his aid, before going to her own. This morning there was a break in the chain and Frenchie is missing. I so enjoyed seeing this search from the perspectives of Aurora, Frenchie, and other town residents. There were little hints that many missed as Frenchie was not afraid to be in the woods and had a mission in mind. Aurora's devotion to Frenchie and the team effort of the town are so heartwarming and healing. Love this one as much as I did The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle. This is going to be on the award lists about a year from now -- no doubt about it.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
BUD BLOSSOM BERRY
SWEET EARTH ROOTS KEPT
MAKE A SOUL MERRY~Poem Barn in Sundrop Meadow
This poem is a very special piece of Leslie Connor's latest book. What happened to Frenchie this morning? Aurora and Frenchie are the best of friends. While Aurora is boisterous and impulsive, Frenchie is noverbal and on the spectrum. They have just started 6th grade, but are in separate classes for the first time. Usually when they get to school Aurora walks the plaid and khaki-clad Frenchie to his classroom to meet Mr. Menkis, his aid, before going to her own. This morning there was a break in the chain and Frenchie is missing. I so enjoyed seeing this search from the perspectives of Aurora, Frenchie, and other town residents. There were little hints that many missed as Frenchie was not afraid to be in the woods and had a mission in mind. Aurora's devotion to Frenchie and the team effort of the town are so heartwarming and healing. Love this one as much as I did The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle. This is going to be on the award lists about a year from now -- no doubt about it.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
This book felt kind of heartwarming but also kind of ick at the same time. I do like the underlying message that nonverbal does not mean non-thinking or not understanding what's happening around you. That was the heartwarming bit. But other than that, it felt ick.
First of all, lots of nonverbal autistics communicate through picture boards, gestures, or even through writing. This book, however, seems to reinforce many misconceptions about autistics even while trying to destigmatize.
I do recognize that there are also many autistics like Frenchie in their communication. But the way Frenchie is portrayed combined with the portrayal of Aurora, it gave the entire book a bad taste of "inspiration porn."
As happens with all of us who live with disabilities, Frenchie is talked *about* rather than getting to tell his own story. It makes it feel like the story is more about how wonderful Aurora is for befriending an autistic kid rather than an authentic portrayal of the autistic experience.
I was unsurprised to find out in the author's note that she consulted parents of autistic kids rather than anyone who is actually autistic. And then says that those parents helped her "understand the complexities of loving an autistic person." This really makes it seem like loving an autistic person is somehow difficult or a burden instead of recognizing the humanity of autistics. She then says she also spoke with one of their NT kids to get "the sibling perspective" and that this and the parents' reflections were given her "full attention." But she begins the note with saying that it was "important to [her] to get things right."
How can she get things right if she doesn't get the autistic perspective? It's yet another instance of autistics being talked about rather than communicated with. It's also a great illustration of why many of us will only read books about autism that are written by people who are #ActuallyAutistic. Neurotypical people cannot be trusted to tell the stories of autistics. I don't doubt that this author meant well, and it's that intention that made me give this 2 stars rather than 1. But good intentions don't change any of the above and the impact those things have on the way NT's view autistics.
With all of this, I simply can't recommend this book at all.
First of all, lots of nonverbal autistics communicate through picture boards, gestures, or even through writing. This book, however, seems to reinforce many misconceptions about autistics even while trying to destigmatize.
I do recognize that there are also many autistics like Frenchie in their communication. But the way Frenchie is portrayed combined with the portrayal of Aurora, it gave the entire book a bad taste of "inspiration porn."
As happens with all of us who live with disabilities, Frenchie is talked *about* rather than getting to tell his own story. It makes it feel like the story is more about how wonderful Aurora is for befriending an autistic kid rather than an authentic portrayal of the autistic experience.
I was unsurprised to find out in the author's note that she consulted parents of autistic kids rather than anyone who is actually autistic. And then says that those parents helped her "understand the complexities of loving an autistic person." This really makes it seem like loving an autistic person is somehow difficult or a burden instead of recognizing the humanity of autistics. She then says she also spoke with one of their NT kids to get "the sibling perspective" and that this and the parents' reflections were given her "full attention." But she begins the note with saying that it was "important to [her] to get things right."
How can she get things right if she doesn't get the autistic perspective? It's yet another instance of autistics being talked about rather than communicated with. It's also a great illustration of why many of us will only read books about autism that are written by people who are #ActuallyAutistic. Neurotypical people cannot be trusted to tell the stories of autistics. I don't doubt that this author meant well, and it's that intention that made me give this 2 stars rather than 1. But good intentions don't change any of the above and the impact those things have on the way NT's view autistics.
With all of this, I simply can't recommend this book at all.
February 15, 2022
A poignant and moving story of two unlikely friends: loud-talking Aurora and mute Frenchie, who have been pals since third grade. One day Frenchie goes missing, and the way the whole town pulls together to find him will touch readers deeply. A sensitive tale of neurodiversity and understanding for readers eight and up. Highly recommended!
Thanks to author Leslie Connor, HarperCollins Children's Books, Katherine Tegen Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#AnybodyHereSeenFrenchie #NetGalley
Thanks to author Leslie Connor, HarperCollins Children's Books, Katherine Tegen Books, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#AnybodyHereSeenFrenchie #NetGalley
April 13, 2022
April is Autism Acceptance Month (yes, that’s Acceptance, and not just “awareness” of autism [Autism Society, 2021]). To commemorate this observance, I like to draw attention to books that feature an autistic main character. And with Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor, I can actually spotlight two protagonists who are on the autism spectrum.
First, a brief summary if you have not read the book: it concerns two sixth-graders, Aurora and Frenchie, who, up until the time of the story, have always been in the same classrooms.
Frenchie is nonvocal and intensely interested in birds. Aurora tends to blurt what she is thinking and has struggled with making friends. Early in their lives, they each chose each other as their special person. But as sixth-grade looms, suddenly they will be in separate sixth-grade classrooms. For the first time also, Aurora has been able to make friends with two other classmates.
One day, when circumstances interrupt their routine of going to school and to their classrooms, Frenchie leaves school and goes missing. Much of the book focuses on the logistics of a community search for Frenchie.
As someone who was reading first a digital advance copy and then later the physical book, I was interested in a recent talk between Leslie Connor and Roger Sutton of The Horn Book.
During their conversation, Connor shared that she’d become “really interested in how vast the autism spectrum is.” She explained that for this book, she created two neurodiverse main characters, but she did not label either one of them (Sutton, 2021).
I am a reader who is, herself, on the autism spectrum. So, while the story certainly caught my interest and kept me invested in the outcome, I have to express concern that the publisher has labeled only one of these two protagonists as officially having “autism.” That would be Frenchie, the young boy who is also nonvocal.
Aurora, the other main protagonist and the story’s main narrator, is merely “cued as neurodiverse” in the words of a Kirkus review. But being “cued as” something isn’t the same as having your identity explicitly acknowledged and recognized.
I find this dichotomy especially concerning because girls and women are far less likely to receive an official diagnosis of autism - possibly because of ways that clinicians interpret our behavior and our special interests (Zeliadt, 2018).
Without a diagnosis, we’re cut off from information that might explain our differences, and we’re certainly cut off from accommodations or services that might ease our struggles and challenges.
I am interested to know if either the author or the publisher sought input at any stage of the writing and publishing process from people on the autism spectrum. Their lived experience could provide valuable insight, since Connor in her talk with Sutton, acknowledges that she is not autistic - and in her author’s note, Connor credits only parents and a sibling of people on the autism spectrum, no autistic people themselves.
I do think the statement that Connor uncovered in her research is absolutely right-on, and that is, “Show me one autistic person and I’ll show you one autistic person” (Sutton, 2021).
Appreciation to NetGalley and to the publisher for giving me a digital ARC. I ask that the publisher please consider my feedback concerning the use of a diagnostic label to describe only one of this book’s main protagonists.
References:
Autism Society. (2021, March 4). Media urged to recognize shift from ‘Autism Awareness Month’ to ‘Autism Acceptance Month’ this April. Press releases. https://www.autism-society.org/releas...
Connor, L. (2022). Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? Katherine Tegen Books.
Kirkus. (2022, Feb. 15). Anybody here seen Frenchie? Book reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Sutton, R. (2021, Dec. 16). Leslie Connor talks with Roger. Notes from the Horn Book. https://www.hbook.com/story/leslie-co...
Zeliadt, N. (2018, June 13). Autism’s sex ratio, explained. Spectrum News. https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/aut...
First, a brief summary if you have not read the book: it concerns two sixth-graders, Aurora and Frenchie, who, up until the time of the story, have always been in the same classrooms.
Frenchie is nonvocal and intensely interested in birds. Aurora tends to blurt what she is thinking and has struggled with making friends. Early in their lives, they each chose each other as their special person. But as sixth-grade looms, suddenly they will be in separate sixth-grade classrooms. For the first time also, Aurora has been able to make friends with two other classmates.
One day, when circumstances interrupt their routine of going to school and to their classrooms, Frenchie leaves school and goes missing. Much of the book focuses on the logistics of a community search for Frenchie.
As someone who was reading first a digital advance copy and then later the physical book, I was interested in a recent talk between Leslie Connor and Roger Sutton of The Horn Book.
During their conversation, Connor shared that she’d become “really interested in how vast the autism spectrum is.” She explained that for this book, she created two neurodiverse main characters, but she did not label either one of them (Sutton, 2021).
I am a reader who is, herself, on the autism spectrum. So, while the story certainly caught my interest and kept me invested in the outcome, I have to express concern that the publisher has labeled only one of these two protagonists as officially having “autism.” That would be Frenchie, the young boy who is also nonvocal.
Aurora, the other main protagonist and the story’s main narrator, is merely “cued as neurodiverse” in the words of a Kirkus review. But being “cued as” something isn’t the same as having your identity explicitly acknowledged and recognized.
I find this dichotomy especially concerning because girls and women are far less likely to receive an official diagnosis of autism - possibly because of ways that clinicians interpret our behavior and our special interests (Zeliadt, 2018).
Without a diagnosis, we’re cut off from information that might explain our differences, and we’re certainly cut off from accommodations or services that might ease our struggles and challenges.
I am interested to know if either the author or the publisher sought input at any stage of the writing and publishing process from people on the autism spectrum. Their lived experience could provide valuable insight, since Connor in her talk with Sutton, acknowledges that she is not autistic - and in her author’s note, Connor credits only parents and a sibling of people on the autism spectrum, no autistic people themselves.
I do think the statement that Connor uncovered in her research is absolutely right-on, and that is, “Show me one autistic person and I’ll show you one autistic person” (Sutton, 2021).
Appreciation to NetGalley and to the publisher for giving me a digital ARC. I ask that the publisher please consider my feedback concerning the use of a diagnostic label to describe only one of this book’s main protagonists.
References:
Autism Society. (2021, March 4). Media urged to recognize shift from ‘Autism Awareness Month’ to ‘Autism Acceptance Month’ this April. Press releases. https://www.autism-society.org/releas...
Connor, L. (2022). Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? Katherine Tegen Books.
Kirkus. (2022, Feb. 15). Anybody here seen Frenchie? Book reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Sutton, R. (2021, Dec. 16). Leslie Connor talks with Roger. Notes from the Horn Book. https://www.hbook.com/story/leslie-co...
Zeliadt, N. (2018, June 13). Autism’s sex ratio, explained. Spectrum News. https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/aut...
March 22, 2022
Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? is a tender, heartwarming exploration of a friendship between two kids who seem wildly different on the surface. This story highlights a neurodivergent character who is loved and seen by his best friend -- and his community. It also examines how we can make room for more than one kind of friendship. This is a quirky, character-driven story that might not appeal to every kid reader, but is sure to be loved by adult readers. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it for the atmospheric writing and sweet friendship plot.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
May 15, 2022
I typically enjoy Connor’s books, but this one was disappointing. She says in her author’s note that her research for Frenchie involved speaking with the family members of two autistic children but not with autistic people themselves, and the same focus is clear in the book. Frenchie speaks for himself for maybe 8 pages — everything else is told from the perspective of his best friend (who reads as having ADHD and possibly autism herself, though it’s never stated) and from the assorted townsfolk who set out to rescue Frenchie when he doesn’t turn up for school one morning. There’s certainly been worse representations of neurodivergence, but in 2022 and from Leslie Connor, I hoped for better.
July 31, 2024
Two best friends, Aurora and Frenchie. Aurora is loud. Frenchie is quiet; he is autistic. Aurora has connected with him in a special way and understands his reactions to things and knows his interests. What happens when a boy who doesn't talk goes missing? Will Aurora be able to find him? Or will it be another one of the townspeople who rally around the cause that will locate him?
February 13, 2022
5 stars
I feel so fortunate this book was recommended to me by NetGalley. I have not read anything by this author before, but it sounded interesting so I took a shot. The main characters are Aurora, a very loud and exuberant girl who can never sit still, and her best friend Frenchie, a boy who loves birds, but is also mute. They are the unlikeliest of friends, but she is very observant, especially when it comes to him, and he is calming for her while she is the person he has chosen. But also the subject of this book is the entire community in this little town of Maine. When Frenchie goes missing, I love how Aurora is able to see the best in her neighbors, teachers, classmates, and many other folks in her community, even those she previously judged as overlooking Frenchie and finding her to be too much. While Aurora's point-of-view is the main part of this book, the chapters do end up being seen from other POVs, which really added to the sense of community as everyone pulls together to search for Frenchie. Some of the chapters are seen from Frenchie's POV, which helps us understand better what he is thinking during his time away from Aurora. There were so many moments when I would think, "Oh man, so close...if only," when it came to coincidences or what people saw or could have seen if the timing was different. I loved this book and can definitely recommend it.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is due to be released February 15th!
I feel so fortunate this book was recommended to me by NetGalley. I have not read anything by this author before, but it sounded interesting so I took a shot. The main characters are Aurora, a very loud and exuberant girl who can never sit still, and her best friend Frenchie, a boy who loves birds, but is also mute. They are the unlikeliest of friends, but she is very observant, especially when it comes to him, and he is calming for her while she is the person he has chosen. But also the subject of this book is the entire community in this little town of Maine. When Frenchie goes missing, I love how Aurora is able to see the best in her neighbors, teachers, classmates, and many other folks in her community, even those she previously judged as overlooking Frenchie and finding her to be too much. While Aurora's point-of-view is the main part of this book, the chapters do end up being seen from other POVs, which really added to the sense of community as everyone pulls together to search for Frenchie. Some of the chapters are seen from Frenchie's POV, which helps us understand better what he is thinking during his time away from Aurora. There were so many moments when I would think, "Oh man, so close...if only," when it came to coincidences or what people saw or could have seen if the timing was different. I loved this book and can definitely recommend it.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is due to be released February 15th!
August 23, 2022
I probably wouldn't have picked this up if it weren't on a lot of 2023 Newbery lists. I knew going in that it's a book about an autistic kid (really two autistic kids, although that's left open to interpretation) written by a neurotypical person, and that they consulted parents and siblings of autistic kids but no actual autistic people. I can only hope that Connor did research that involved reading essays, blogs, memoirs etc written by actual autistic ppl, especially nonverbal people, and that she just didn't mention that research in the author's note because it goes without saying.
So, there definitely were good things about this book. It's engrossing -- you get pulled in to the main mystery, which is Frenchie's disappearance. I read it quickly, was invested, and even almost cried at the end. The small town cast of characters is sweet and fun. I do see why people are putting it on Newbery lists, although ultimately I didn't feel like it was as deep as it tried to be.
How is the neurodivergent rep? (Note: I am autistic but not nonverbal, so I can't speak to that exact experience). It's...ok? There's nothing overtly offensive about it. Aurora, who is coded ADHD and/or autistic (it's never named), was interesting and non-stereotypical, I thought. She's hyperverbal, has a special interest, and is considered loud and annoying but overall accepted by the town. She did feel like a real, whole person. Frenchie (who also isn't called autistic in the text) is nonverbal and, at least to me, felt fairly stereotypical. We never quite get a look inside his head, because his POV chapters are close third instead of first person and super short. Basically the only thing we know about him is that he loves birds. It rubbed me the wrong way that people kept saying that he "gets" things you wouldn't think he would, although unfortunately it felt realistic that people would say that. He gets an aide at school, but no one ever says whether he can communicate in writing, typing, signing, using a picture board, or anything else. No one ever tries to give him any sort of communicative device, or says anything about why he doesn't have one! Maybe it's just me, but this feels wild?? At first I thought maybe the book was set like 30 years ago, but then they use smart phones, so...? It honestly just feels like a way to move the plot along, and also like maybe the author doesn't even *know* that plenty of nonverbal people communicate in other ways than speaking? Obviously not everyone does, but to not mention even in passing that, for example, they tried using PECS and he didn't go for it, feels strange to me.
Ultimately, Frenchie isn't *really* the main character of this book. It's more about the people around him and how they come together. He's sort of a stand-in, which may be why his character doesn't seem very developed and we don't get much of his POV. Again, I wouldn't say that the portrayal of Frenchie is offensive (but also, please ask a nonspeaking autistic person; they can answer that better than I can). But is it unique, deep, unexpected? Does it offer anything new? Does it feel specific and grounded in research into real people's experiences? No, not really. I do think that what's new is the portrayal of Aurora, but as far as representation goes that's fairly limited when it's not made explicit that she's also autistic.
So, there definitely were good things about this book. It's engrossing -- you get pulled in to the main mystery, which is Frenchie's disappearance. I read it quickly, was invested, and even almost cried at the end. The small town cast of characters is sweet and fun. I do see why people are putting it on Newbery lists, although ultimately I didn't feel like it was as deep as it tried to be.
How is the neurodivergent rep? (Note: I am autistic but not nonverbal, so I can't speak to that exact experience). It's...ok? There's nothing overtly offensive about it. Aurora, who is coded ADHD and/or autistic (it's never named), was interesting and non-stereotypical, I thought. She's hyperverbal, has a special interest, and is considered loud and annoying but overall accepted by the town. She did feel like a real, whole person. Frenchie (who also isn't called autistic in the text) is nonverbal and, at least to me, felt fairly stereotypical. We never quite get a look inside his head, because his POV chapters are close third instead of first person and super short. Basically the only thing we know about him is that he loves birds. It rubbed me the wrong way that people kept saying that he "gets" things you wouldn't think he would, although unfortunately it felt realistic that people would say that. He gets an aide at school, but no one ever says whether he can communicate in writing, typing, signing, using a picture board, or anything else. No one ever tries to give him any sort of communicative device, or says anything about why he doesn't have one! Maybe it's just me, but this feels wild?? At first I thought maybe the book was set like 30 years ago, but then they use smart phones, so...? It honestly just feels like a way to move the plot along, and also like maybe the author doesn't even *know* that plenty of nonverbal people communicate in other ways than speaking? Obviously not everyone does, but to not mention even in passing that, for example, they tried using PECS and he didn't go for it, feels strange to me.
Ultimately, Frenchie isn't *really* the main character of this book. It's more about the people around him and how they come together. He's sort of a stand-in, which may be why his character doesn't seem very developed and we don't get much of his POV. Again, I wouldn't say that the portrayal of Frenchie is offensive (but also, please ask a nonspeaking autistic person; they can answer that better than I can). But is it unique, deep, unexpected? Does it offer anything new? Does it feel specific and grounded in research into real people's experiences? No, not really. I do think that what's new is the portrayal of Aurora, but as far as representation goes that's fairly limited when it's not made explicit that she's also autistic.
February 17, 2022
What a charming & heartwarming story. I absolutely loved this. This has great themes of friendship, neurodiversity, really seeing others, family, & more. This coastal town in Maine is so atmospheric. From where they live bordering a blueberry farm..to where they used to live & now rent that house, to the quarry, & so much more. Every place they go is so vividly described, & I absolutely loved that. Such superb writing period. Aurora is a great POV to read from, & her dialogue & narrative voice was so well written. I could almost hear her booming voice in my head lol Her baby brother was just the cutest. Frenchie is amazing of course. And even her parents & Frenchie’s mom are so incredible. I love how they ALL became best friends. The families as a whole. Frenchie really did pick Aurora as his person, & her him. It’s such a beautiful bond. She really SEES him. Not what’s just on the surface-what everyone else “sees” but then looks past & never really sees him…. She sees & understands him perfectly, even though he doesn’t speak with words. I love how the town came together to help look for him & really SEE him in the end though. The chapters are mostly Aurora, a few short ones from Frenchie’s POV, & then what I really enjoyed-some chapters are from the POV of some key towns people, & their experience during the search. Also, some of Aurora’s chapters, she gives us memories of times leading up til now. Like when they first moved to this house, 1st meeting Frenchie, places they’ve went & things they’ve done in the past-including when they 1st saw the deer together. Makes you connect even more to the story & these characters, & it’s just such an engaging read. Aurora is such a great kid, & I loved her so much. Great characters in general like I’ve said. All so well written. From her family & Frenchie’s, to all the towns people we meet. I LOVE this town! Lol I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of where Frenchie is too, & how all of that came together. It was amazing. The scene on page 302 have me all the feels, & was absolutely PERFECTION. Such a great book, full of so much heart. As I’ve said, I don’t read a lot of contemporary, but when I do-I know how to pick them it seems. Lol This just came out this past Tuesday! HIGHLY recommend! BEAUTIFUL cover by Ramona Kaulitzki too!💜
February 24, 2022
Richie’s Picks: ANYBODY HERE SEEN FRENCHIE? by Leslie Connor, HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen, February 2022, 336p., ISBN: 978-0-06-299936-8
“Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.”
– Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd and Julia Frueh, MD, Harvard Medical School
“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes”
– George Harrison (1969)
“We walked him out just far enough that all we had to do was bend our knees and lower ourselves underwater. I did all the demonstrating.
‘Breathing place!’ I said, stretching my arms high. Then I pointed down and said, ‘No breathing below.’ I took a breath and lowered myself under. It felt like baby steps. But then one Saturday, Frenchie did like I did. He went under! He never choked, not once. I laughed at the way he kept his eyes open, even in the salty water. He was mostly a stare-at-nothing boy, but it seemed like Frenchie looked right at me whenever he was coming up for air. When he did the same with Gracia, she didn’t just laugh, she cried.
Teaching him to float was harder. I’m not sure the idea of lying down on top of the water made sense to him, even though I showed him a hundred times. ‘Sit back then lie back.’ Even with Mom and Gracia on each side of him and their good old mom hands underneath him, he would not lie back. He kept sitting.
‘Sheeshy-sheesh! Way to give yourself a good dunking!’ I said.
Our skin was starting to wrinkle. I watched him sit back and sink one more time.
‘Oh! Wait! I got it,’ I said. ‘Frenchie, watch me.’ I motioned Mom and Gracia out of the way.
‘Aurora, he’s been watching you,’ Mom said.
‘He’s been staring,’ I said. ‘Frenchie. Look, look. I tilted my face up. ‘Are ya watching? Do you know what I feel right now? The sun. On my face. It’s up there. You know it is. Now, I’m going to sit a little, then I’m going to lie back. And I’m going to keep the sun on my face. I’m going to rest my whole self on the water.’ I slowly lay back. With my ears underwater and my eyes half-closed, I told him, ‘Here I am just lying on the water. Relaxing. Breathing. And there’s the sun up there. Betcha I’ll see a bird fly by. That’s right, a bird! You’ve gotta try this, Frenchie.’
Well, he did it. Face tilted up to the sun, he lay back and made his body straight.
‘That’s it, Frenchie! Relax and breathe.’
He floated and floated, while Mom and Gracia and I clapped our hands and celebrated.
If there is one thing Frenchie loves as much as birds, it is the sun.”
Nathan French Livernois, aka Frenchie, does not speak nor write nor sign. He is obsessed with birds, and spends a lot of time seeming to stare off. Three years ago, at the beginning of third grade, Frenchie and his mom Gracia moved in next door to the big-hearted and oft-rambunctious rockhound, Aurora Pauline Petrequin.
Frenchie and Aurora, now both eleven, have had the same teachers for third, fourth, and fifth grades. This year, they have been assigned to different classrooms. How will this transition play out?
Aurora has been closely observing Frenchie for years. She recognizes, from his subtlest movements and gestures, where his head is at. She’s been his buddy, guide, and cheerleader, and it is clear that Frenchie listens closely to her. We’ll come to find that he remembers and adheres to everything she tells him. Much of ANYBODY HERE SEEN FRENCHIE? focuses on the wonderful relationship that has developed between the two young friends.
But when Frenchie suddenly goes missing, this becomes a tale of a coastal Maine town that comes together to locate this unusual child whom–thanks to Aurora– so many in the community have come to recognize and love as one of their own.
ANYBODY HERE SEEN FRENCHIE? is a joy of a read, a positive and upbeat story. It's also one for which you might want to get a hold of some fresh blueberries, or maybe even organize a blueberry recipes bake-off.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.”
– Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd and Julia Frueh, MD, Harvard Medical School
“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes”
– George Harrison (1969)
“We walked him out just far enough that all we had to do was bend our knees and lower ourselves underwater. I did all the demonstrating.
‘Breathing place!’ I said, stretching my arms high. Then I pointed down and said, ‘No breathing below.’ I took a breath and lowered myself under. It felt like baby steps. But then one Saturday, Frenchie did like I did. He went under! He never choked, not once. I laughed at the way he kept his eyes open, even in the salty water. He was mostly a stare-at-nothing boy, but it seemed like Frenchie looked right at me whenever he was coming up for air. When he did the same with Gracia, she didn’t just laugh, she cried.
Teaching him to float was harder. I’m not sure the idea of lying down on top of the water made sense to him, even though I showed him a hundred times. ‘Sit back then lie back.’ Even with Mom and Gracia on each side of him and their good old mom hands underneath him, he would not lie back. He kept sitting.
‘Sheeshy-sheesh! Way to give yourself a good dunking!’ I said.
Our skin was starting to wrinkle. I watched him sit back and sink one more time.
‘Oh! Wait! I got it,’ I said. ‘Frenchie, watch me.’ I motioned Mom and Gracia out of the way.
‘Aurora, he’s been watching you,’ Mom said.
‘He’s been staring,’ I said. ‘Frenchie. Look, look. I tilted my face up. ‘Are ya watching? Do you know what I feel right now? The sun. On my face. It’s up there. You know it is. Now, I’m going to sit a little, then I’m going to lie back. And I’m going to keep the sun on my face. I’m going to rest my whole self on the water.’ I slowly lay back. With my ears underwater and my eyes half-closed, I told him, ‘Here I am just lying on the water. Relaxing. Breathing. And there’s the sun up there. Betcha I’ll see a bird fly by. That’s right, a bird! You’ve gotta try this, Frenchie.’
Well, he did it. Face tilted up to the sun, he lay back and made his body straight.
‘That’s it, Frenchie! Relax and breathe.’
He floated and floated, while Mom and Gracia and I clapped our hands and celebrated.
If there is one thing Frenchie loves as much as birds, it is the sun.”
Nathan French Livernois, aka Frenchie, does not speak nor write nor sign. He is obsessed with birds, and spends a lot of time seeming to stare off. Three years ago, at the beginning of third grade, Frenchie and his mom Gracia moved in next door to the big-hearted and oft-rambunctious rockhound, Aurora Pauline Petrequin.
Frenchie and Aurora, now both eleven, have had the same teachers for third, fourth, and fifth grades. This year, they have been assigned to different classrooms. How will this transition play out?
Aurora has been closely observing Frenchie for years. She recognizes, from his subtlest movements and gestures, where his head is at. She’s been his buddy, guide, and cheerleader, and it is clear that Frenchie listens closely to her. We’ll come to find that he remembers and adheres to everything she tells him. Much of ANYBODY HERE SEEN FRENCHIE? focuses on the wonderful relationship that has developed between the two young friends.
But when Frenchie suddenly goes missing, this becomes a tale of a coastal Maine town that comes together to locate this unusual child whom–thanks to Aurora– so many in the community have come to recognize and love as one of their own.
ANYBODY HERE SEEN FRENCHIE? is a joy of a read, a positive and upbeat story. It's also one for which you might want to get a hold of some fresh blueberries, or maybe even organize a blueberry recipes bake-off.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
October 15, 2022
Darla recommended:
Read
March 21, 2022A wonderful story of a special friendship. With one main character who does not speak at all, Connor explores character and relationships in ways that are especially deep, and fresh. Brava, Leslie!
February 19, 2022
Leslie Connor has created two characters in Aurora and Frenchie that exemplify friendship and most importantly, it’s okay just to be who you are. These two walked right into my heart!
Eleven-year-old Aurora has been best friends with Frenchie since third grade. Aurora is always moving, bouncing, fiddling, and blurting out what she thinks. In comparison, Frenchie is a boy with autism who doesn’t speak. The two friends love exploring, spending time wandering the woods in their little community, and appreciating the natural world around them.
But when Frenchie goes missing one day, the community rallies together to look for Frenchie.
I love how Aurora and Frenchie are such wonderful friends who seem to help each other navigate the world. It’s great to see the parents support their children, guiding but not trying to alter who they are. The setting of coastal Maine makes for a fun backdrop, with the trees, rocks, and animals all playing a big part in the story. 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞? is a great book for kids, but adults will enjoy it too.
Thank you to @harperkids @theshelfstuff and @harpercollins for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
Eleven-year-old Aurora has been best friends with Frenchie since third grade. Aurora is always moving, bouncing, fiddling, and blurting out what she thinks. In comparison, Frenchie is a boy with autism who doesn’t speak. The two friends love exploring, spending time wandering the woods in their little community, and appreciating the natural world around them.
But when Frenchie goes missing one day, the community rallies together to look for Frenchie.
I love how Aurora and Frenchie are such wonderful friends who seem to help each other navigate the world. It’s great to see the parents support their children, guiding but not trying to alter who they are. The setting of coastal Maine makes for a fun backdrop, with the trees, rocks, and animals all playing a big part in the story. 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞? is a great book for kids, but adults will enjoy it too.
Thank you to @harperkids @theshelfstuff and @harpercollins for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
notes-on-unfinished-books
August 6, 2022I read about 20 pages. I enjoy the characters and the setting (Maine). The writing style was effective. I would not mind finishing this book. My biggest criticism was a nagging feeling that Connor is not her own writer. I got strong early 2000s DiCamillo vibes from every aspect of this book and really nothing that I haven't seen before. It's just a good version of familiar things.
October 3, 2024
From the minute I started reading this book I could hardly stand to put it down! I fell in love with Aurora immediately, she’s the spunky and unique young girl character that I adore in a story! What a beautiful friendship, community, and family depicted here. Brought so many warm and fuzzies. This is definitely a contender for my top 3 WAW reads for the year.
April 19, 2022
This is a wonderful book about seeing the special things in your world :) Frenchie is the nonverbal friend of Aurora, who is anything but nonverbal. Together they see, and show the people around them, truly special things. They have a truly wonderful friendship. Aurora is completely truthful and forthcoming, which reveals a lot about the world around her. She has spent a few years working on her ability to understand other people's thinking and point of view, and she hones it in on Frenchie. When Frenchie is lost, many people in his world realize the special things they've seen.
May 3, 2023
I think Connor had a good idea for this book, but it felt flat pretty quickly for me. The longer I think about this book, the more problems I realize I have with it, so here are my thoughts:
• I know that Connor interviewed parents of autistic children and a sibling, but I really wish that she would've interviewed autistic people for this book. That would've given a more authentic voice to this book.
• I felt like this toed the line for inspiration porn because all we hear about is how good a friend Aurora is to an autistic child. I wanted Frenchie to tell me his story.
• Frenchie received less than 10 chapters, and I feel like he should've gotten more.
• I felt like this book was too long. If it was 100 pages shorter, I think I would've enjoyed my time more.
• The number of times that an adult almost saw Frenchie made me miserable as an adult. I think kids would find it suspenseful, but I struggled not to toss my book across the room each time it happened.
• I know that Connor interviewed parents of autistic children and a sibling, but I really wish that she would've interviewed autistic people for this book. That would've given a more authentic voice to this book.
• I felt like this toed the line for inspiration porn because all we hear about is how good a friend Aurora is to an autistic child. I wanted Frenchie to tell me his story.
• Frenchie received less than 10 chapters, and I feel like he should've gotten more.
• I felt like this book was too long. If it was 100 pages shorter, I think I would've enjoyed my time more.
• The number of times that an adult almost saw Frenchie made me miserable as an adult. I think kids would find it suspenseful, but I struggled not to toss my book across the room each time it happened.
February 24, 2022
What a masterpiece by one of my favorite writers! Hello newberry award! This book may win awards! I loved it! If I could give it 5 stars I would! This is a beautifully written book about the friendship of a young girl named aurora & her autistic friend Frenchie who doesn’t show up at the school they both attend, and he goes missing! A mystery ensues and you have to read the book to find the rest! Highly recommended!
June 14, 2024
Leslie Connors "Hat irgendjemand Oscar gesehen?" wird vom Verlag für Leser*innen ab 10 Jahren empfohlen, also habe ich es gemeinsam mit meinem Sohn gelesen.
Erzählt wird die Freundschaft zwischen Aurora und Oscar, die in einer Kleinstadt in Maine leben. Auch wenn es im Roman nie direkt erwähnt wird, ist Oscar offenbar Autist, während Aurora anscheinend ADHS hat.
Grundsätzlich spielt die Geschichte in einer heilen, stark romantisierten Welt: Die Eltern von Aurora freunden sich ebenso schnell mit der (alleinerziehenden) Mutter von Oscar an wie Aurora mit Oscar. Sie verdienen ihr Geld unter anderem damit, dass sie ihr altes Haus am Strand an Touristen vermieten. Die Nachbarn haben eine Blaubeer-Plantage und verdienen sich ein Zubrot mit frisch gebackenem Blaubeer-Kuchen und so weiter und so fort. Es gibt keine nennenswerten Konflikte.
Probleme werden allenfalls am Rande thematisiert: dass Aurora wegen ihrer lauten, impulsiven Art ab und zu Probleme mit den Mitschüler*innen hat, Oscar von den meisten Mitschüler*innen komplett ignoriert wird, Hänseleien finden praktisch nicht statt und so weiter. Die Erwachsenen aber sind alle auffallend verständnisvoll - vor allem in Bezug auf Oscar.
Gut herausgearbeitet sind einige Aspekte von Oscars Autismus-Spektrum; allerdings ist schade, dass Frau Connor - obwohl sie eigentlich Vorbehalte abbauen und Toleranz bzw. Akzeptanz für Autisten und andere Ausprägungen der Neurodiversität vermitteln möchte - ziemlich viele Klischees verarbeitet. Von allen Möglichkeiten hat sie sich dafür entschieden, dass Oscar als kindliche Version von Raymond Babbitt aus dem Film "Rain Man" (allerdings statt "Zahlengenie" ein Vogelliebhaber) endet.
Zudem wird die Geschichte zwar vor allem aus Auroras Perspektive beschrieben, auch andere Personen bekommen eigene Kapitel und viele Seiten spendiert. Von all diesen Figuren erhält ausgerechnet Oscar die wenigsten Kapitel, die sich mit seiner Sicht befassen. Das ist erstaunlich, wenn man bedenkt, dass er die Hauptfigur des Romans ist. Und es ist schade.
Hier zeigt sich leider, dass Leslie Connor nur die Außenperspektive zum Thema Neurodiversität "recherchiert" hat. Menschen mit Asperger-Syndrom oder ADHS etc. wurden von ihr nicht kontaktiert, sondern nur zwei Eltern und ein Geschwisterteil. Dafür, dass sie laut eigener Aussage (in ihren Anmerkungen zum Buch) "die Figuren gut hinbekommen" wollte, ist das zu wenig.
Ohne Frage: Bei "Hat irgendjemand Oscar gesehen?" handelt es sich - für Außenstehende - um einen warmherzigen Wohlfühl-Roman, der das Thema Neurodiversität für Kinder aufarbeitet - wenn auch einseitig, weil der Heile-Welt-Charakter im Vordergrund steht. Und ganz offensichtlich ist Leslie Connor mit viel gutem Willen ans Werk gegangen. Aber wenn man bedenkt, welchen Anspruch sie in ihren Anmerkungen formuliert, dann muss man konstatieren, dass sie gescheitert ist.
Mein Sohn fand das Buch durchaus nett zu lesen, konnte aber zum Beispiel seinen besten (autistischen) Freund darin nicht wiederfinden und so nichts für sich mitnehmen. Im echten Leben entsprechen die meisten Menschen mit Autismus bzw. Asperger-Syndrom eben nicht den Klischees wie Oscar.
Erzählt wird die Freundschaft zwischen Aurora und Oscar, die in einer Kleinstadt in Maine leben. Auch wenn es im Roman nie direkt erwähnt wird, ist Oscar offenbar Autist, während Aurora anscheinend ADHS hat.
Grundsätzlich spielt die Geschichte in einer heilen, stark romantisierten Welt: Die Eltern von Aurora freunden sich ebenso schnell mit der (alleinerziehenden) Mutter von Oscar an wie Aurora mit Oscar. Sie verdienen ihr Geld unter anderem damit, dass sie ihr altes Haus am Strand an Touristen vermieten. Die Nachbarn haben eine Blaubeer-Plantage und verdienen sich ein Zubrot mit frisch gebackenem Blaubeer-Kuchen und so weiter und so fort. Es gibt keine nennenswerten Konflikte.
Probleme werden allenfalls am Rande thematisiert: dass Aurora wegen ihrer lauten, impulsiven Art ab und zu Probleme mit den Mitschüler*innen hat, Oscar von den meisten Mitschüler*innen komplett ignoriert wird, Hänseleien finden praktisch nicht statt und so weiter. Die Erwachsenen aber sind alle auffallend verständnisvoll - vor allem in Bezug auf Oscar.
Gut herausgearbeitet sind einige Aspekte von Oscars Autismus-Spektrum; allerdings ist schade, dass Frau Connor - obwohl sie eigentlich Vorbehalte abbauen und Toleranz bzw. Akzeptanz für Autisten und andere Ausprägungen der Neurodiversität vermitteln möchte - ziemlich viele Klischees verarbeitet. Von allen Möglichkeiten hat sie sich dafür entschieden, dass Oscar als kindliche Version von Raymond Babbitt aus dem Film "Rain Man" (allerdings statt "Zahlengenie" ein Vogelliebhaber) endet.
Zudem wird die Geschichte zwar vor allem aus Auroras Perspektive beschrieben, auch andere Personen bekommen eigene Kapitel und viele Seiten spendiert. Von all diesen Figuren erhält ausgerechnet Oscar die wenigsten Kapitel, die sich mit seiner Sicht befassen. Das ist erstaunlich, wenn man bedenkt, dass er die Hauptfigur des Romans ist. Und es ist schade.
Hier zeigt sich leider, dass Leslie Connor nur die Außenperspektive zum Thema Neurodiversität "recherchiert" hat. Menschen mit Asperger-Syndrom oder ADHS etc. wurden von ihr nicht kontaktiert, sondern nur zwei Eltern und ein Geschwisterteil. Dafür, dass sie laut eigener Aussage (in ihren Anmerkungen zum Buch) "die Figuren gut hinbekommen" wollte, ist das zu wenig.
Ohne Frage: Bei "Hat irgendjemand Oscar gesehen?" handelt es sich - für Außenstehende - um einen warmherzigen Wohlfühl-Roman, der das Thema Neurodiversität für Kinder aufarbeitet - wenn auch einseitig, weil der Heile-Welt-Charakter im Vordergrund steht. Und ganz offensichtlich ist Leslie Connor mit viel gutem Willen ans Werk gegangen. Aber wenn man bedenkt, welchen Anspruch sie in ihren Anmerkungen formuliert, dann muss man konstatieren, dass sie gescheitert ist.
Mein Sohn fand das Buch durchaus nett zu lesen, konnte aber zum Beispiel seinen besten (autistischen) Freund darin nicht wiederfinden und so nichts für sich mitnehmen. Im echten Leben entsprechen die meisten Menschen mit Autismus bzw. Asperger-Syndrom eben nicht den Klischees wie Oscar.
March 16, 2022
4.5 stars
What a sweet, moving, unique book—I loved it. I think I really needed to read something that focused on humanity at its best. There was so much goodness in this book—friendship, empathy, acceptance of differences, and a community working together toward a common purpose.
The POVs change periodically, but the main POV is a sixth grade girl named Aurora who is best friends with a non-vocal Autistic boy named Frenchie. When Frenchie disappears after being dropped off at school one day, Aurora blames herself, her father, who dropped them off, blames himself, and Frenchie’s teacher blames himself. I must admit to developing a crush on the latter by the end of the book. Don’t blame yourself, Mr. Menkis!
One of the things I really liked about the book is how many adult POVs came into the story. They weren’t all well-acquainted with Aurora or Frenchie, but they had each crossed paths with them in one way or another. As an adult, I found this interesting, and I wonder if kids who read it will too, like it’s opening a secret window into the minds of grown-ups. I don’t know, but I like to think it will be a plus for kids too, since they’re the target audience.
The other thing I thought was neat was the detailed description of what a modern missing person search looks like, with everyone using an app to receive search updates and to ensure they’re searching the area they’re assigned. I was fascinated by this aspect of the story.
The number of accidents that kept people from noticing as Frenchie passed nearby felt a little forced. I don’t know if the author was trying to make a point about how much of our surroundings escape our notice as we focus in so tightly on our own stuff, but I think subtler distractions might have made the point better if that was the goal (I’d be distracted by what happened to Mrs. Thrift if it had happened to me, for example, and rightly so).
Aurora’s narration was a good way to bring out her own challenges, although hers are never defined. From the author’s notes at the end, she was maybe supposed to be on the autism spectrum too. She was Frenchie’s opposite in many ways, especially with her tendency to blurt things out very loudly. I did not love her exclamations of “Sheeshy sheesh,” which I found excessively cutesie. Sorry, world. I’m old, and I have my crotchets.
I loved the ending, and it made me cry. You might cry too, but you should read this book if you want to smile and feel good, because you’ll do that more.
What a sweet, moving, unique book—I loved it. I think I really needed to read something that focused on humanity at its best. There was so much goodness in this book—friendship, empathy, acceptance of differences, and a community working together toward a common purpose.
The POVs change periodically, but the main POV is a sixth grade girl named Aurora who is best friends with a non-vocal Autistic boy named Frenchie. When Frenchie disappears after being dropped off at school one day, Aurora blames herself, her father, who dropped them off, blames himself, and Frenchie’s teacher blames himself. I must admit to developing a crush on the latter by the end of the book. Don’t blame yourself, Mr. Menkis!
One of the things I really liked about the book is how many adult POVs came into the story. They weren’t all well-acquainted with Aurora or Frenchie, but they had each crossed paths with them in one way or another. As an adult, I found this interesting, and I wonder if kids who read it will too, like it’s opening a secret window into the minds of grown-ups. I don’t know, but I like to think it will be a plus for kids too, since they’re the target audience.
The other thing I thought was neat was the detailed description of what a modern missing person search looks like, with everyone using an app to receive search updates and to ensure they’re searching the area they’re assigned. I was fascinated by this aspect of the story.
The number of accidents that kept people from noticing as Frenchie passed nearby felt a little forced. I don’t know if the author was trying to make a point about how much of our surroundings escape our notice as we focus in so tightly on our own stuff, but I think subtler distractions might have made the point better if that was the goal (I’d be distracted by what happened to Mrs. Thrift if it had happened to me, for example, and rightly so).
Aurora’s narration was a good way to bring out her own challenges, although hers are never defined. From the author’s notes at the end, she was maybe supposed to be on the autism spectrum too. She was Frenchie’s opposite in many ways, especially with her tendency to blurt things out very loudly. I did not love her exclamations of “Sheeshy sheesh,” which I found excessively cutesie. Sorry, world. I’m old, and I have my crotchets.
I loved the ending, and it made me cry. You might cry too, but you should read this book if you want to smile and feel good, because you’ll do that more.
October 16, 2021
I really liked one of this author's previous books, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, and so was quite keen to see what this novel had to offer. I really enjoyed this portrayal of friendship and the characters of Aurora and Frenchie. The author portrayed them very well, and gave us insight into Aurora's friendship with Frenchie and how she communicated with him, despite his lack of speech. Aurora jumps off the page and I can really picture her and imagine her as part of my school.
The perspectives of the novel shift around regularly, but are mainly written from Aurora's point of view. That is where it is strongest. The other points of view were too short and infrequent to give us significant insight into the characters. I would have liked to have heard more from Frenchie's viewpoint, but we only get the very occasional chapter.
I actually found the first third of the novel, before Frenchie goes missing, more compelling than after that. This was where we focused on the children's friendship, and on their life in Maine (which sounded wonderful btw). Once Frenchie went missing, the tension increased and more perspectives came into the story, but it didn't grab me as much.
One thing I appreciated was the guilty jealous outrage Aurora felt when people got involved in the search for Frenchie, or expressed their concern for him, when they previously would just ignore him. That felt very real and genuine.
I would have appreciated a map along the way of where Frenchie walked in his travels and where the searchers were. Locations were discussed, but I never had a real good sense of where things were happening.
The perspectives of the novel shift around regularly, but are mainly written from Aurora's point of view. That is where it is strongest. The other points of view were too short and infrequent to give us significant insight into the characters. I would have liked to have heard more from Frenchie's viewpoint, but we only get the very occasional chapter.
I actually found the first third of the novel, before Frenchie goes missing, more compelling than after that. This was where we focused on the children's friendship, and on their life in Maine (which sounded wonderful btw). Once Frenchie went missing, the tension increased and more perspectives came into the story, but it didn't grab me as much.
One thing I appreciated was the guilty jealous outrage Aurora felt when people got involved in the search for Frenchie, or expressed their concern for him, when they previously would just ignore him. That felt very real and genuine.
I would have appreciated a map along the way of where Frenchie walked in his travels and where the searchers were. Locations were discussed, but I never had a real good sense of where things were happening.
December 1, 2022
While I loved the supportive families, richly wrought natural setting, and sweet friendship messages in this book, I had a hard time with the portrayal of Frenchie, the nonverbal character. (Full disclaimer: I am not autistic.) It was hard reading about him from everyone else's perspective and very rarely getting his own; even more, those few chapters felt poorly drawn to me. The author's note states that Connor consulted with the families of nonverbal people, but she doesn't seem to have actually consulted with any nonverbal people themselves (which is very possible, it seems, even given my limited knowledge on the subject!). I also felt the name "Frenchie" felt clownish and inappropriate within the context of neurodivergence.
What I did enjoy about this story were the nuanced emotional experiences of the other characters in Frenchie's life and the cast of community characters that band together to find him. But ultimately, this felt like a slightly more updated, better-written version of The Summer of the Swans to me, and I don't know that it will ultimately age well.
What I did enjoy about this story were the nuanced emotional experiences of the other characters in Frenchie's life and the cast of community characters that band together to find him. But ultimately, this felt like a slightly more updated, better-written version of The Summer of the Swans to me, and I don't know that it will ultimately age well.
March 24, 2022
I loved this sweet, suspenseful story about friendship and found family.
Bubbly Aurora ( self described as “too much for a lot of people”) is best friends with Frenchie, her non-verbal, bird loving neighbor. The two are inseparable until 6th grade when they are placed in different classrooms. Not long after that, Frenchie slips out the school door one day and disappears into the woods of their Maine town. What follows is a heartwarming but nerve-wracking account of the search for Frenchie from a variety of townspeople’s POV, as well as Aurora’s and sometimes even Frenchie’s.
@heyleslieconnor does such a great job bringing this story to life. It is funny and interesting and uplifting and very very readable.
A perfect reflection of positivity and kindness, and a community coming together— which makes it a great book to read for these trying times.
This story would make a great family read aloud for all ages, and an independent read for grade 3 and up.
Bubbly Aurora ( self described as “too much for a lot of people”) is best friends with Frenchie, her non-verbal, bird loving neighbor. The two are inseparable until 6th grade when they are placed in different classrooms. Not long after that, Frenchie slips out the school door one day and disappears into the woods of their Maine town. What follows is a heartwarming but nerve-wracking account of the search for Frenchie from a variety of townspeople’s POV, as well as Aurora’s and sometimes even Frenchie’s.
@heyleslieconnor does such a great job bringing this story to life. It is funny and interesting and uplifting and very very readable.
A perfect reflection of positivity and kindness, and a community coming together— which makes it a great book to read for these trying times.
This story would make a great family read aloud for all ages, and an independent read for grade 3 and up.
March 30, 2022
Back in the third grade, impulsive Aurora found a best friend in Frenchie, her silent, autistic neighbor. Sharing a love for the natural world, the two friends (and their families) spend most days together. But one morning, Aurora is excited to show her new classmates a geode she has, and doesn’t follow her usual routine of walking Frenchie to his classroom. Then, Frenchie disappears, leaving a panicked Aurora wondering where her best friend could be.
This is another Leslie Connor book that stole my whole heart! Set in coastal Maine, this beautiful realistic fiction middle grade story is all about family, friendship, and the power of a community coming together. A must buy for a middle grade library.
This is another Leslie Connor book that stole my whole heart! Set in coastal Maine, this beautiful realistic fiction middle grade story is all about family, friendship, and the power of a community coming together. A must buy for a middle grade library.
August 2, 2023
I read this book for the Charlie May Simon Award Committee. It was all about a non-verbal little boy that goes missing and the whole town pitches in to search. There were lots of discussions in the book about autism, being neurodivergent, and missing children. It was a nice read overall and I am glad that I read it, but I didn't really love it. There were just so many different characters sharing their point of view in the story. Too many, almost. It bogged the story down a little bit. Also, the story didn't really seem to go anywhere--it just stayed kind of flat even when the big ending with Frenchie happened. I wanted to really love this book, but it just didn't happen for me.
June 23, 2022
Having a tendency to blurt and “trouble keeping still,” self-described rock hound Aurora Petrequin “tells it like it is.” She’s fast friends with Frenchie Livernois, who communicates via physical responses his need for routine and interest in the natural world—particularly birds. But when Frenchie disappears one morning, Aurora worries that her actions have resulted in a “Worst Possible” event.
April 15, 2022
This was very sweet and made me feel like I definitely need to spend more time in nature.
February 3, 2024
This book was a runner up for the 2024 Dolly Gray Award, but it 100% had my vote.
December 31, 2023
Funny and delightful portrayal of neurodiversity. I loved the character of Aurora, but it was the nuanced portrayal of the nonverbal Frenchie that really surprised me. I have a nonverbal neurodiverse grandson, and it was wonderful to see a character like him represented so well. This short book is full of delightful characters that make me want to go pick blueberries and meet them all!
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