Lockhart, E. 2008. THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU-BANKS. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 978078683818 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]
REVIEW
How does Frankie Landau-Banks go from being “girl-geek” and her father’s Bunny Rabbit at fourteen to pretty much of a “criminal master mind” at age sixteen? Well, you can blame it on a boy, a secret society, a newly developed figure, and a very keen intelligence. On vacation on the Jersey Shore with her mother and assorted relatives, Frankie meets a rather mysterious and handsome boy. When school starts, she discovers that he is a new student at her fancy private school. Add to this a rather oblique conversation between her father and his friend about the Loyal Order of the Bassett Hounds and the Disreputable History that chronicles their accomplishments. The book has been well-hidden and no one can find it, no one except for Frankie. When not invited to join the group because she’s a girl, she becomes the behind-the-scenes controller of the group which, of course, leads to, well, let’s say “numerous disruptions.” Add to it an ex-boyfriend, a new boyfriend, pranks, and lies, and you have a delightful thought-provoking romp.
The book was both a National Book Award finalist and a Printz Honor book.
CONNECTIONS
This book is a natural for book talking or teen book clubs or book discussion groups. It would also be suitable for class room use and discussion of peer pressure and high school social standing groups.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books written by E. Lockhart:
THE BOY BOOK. ISBN 9780385732093
THE BOYFRIEND LIST. ISBN 9780385732079
DRAMARAMA. ISBN 9780786838172
FLY ON THE WALL: HOW ONE GIRL SAW EVERYTHING. ISBN 9780385732826
By Janet Hilbun
No comments:
Post a Comment