Frankie & Bug
on Goodreads (2,014)
What’s inside...
In the debut middle grade novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman, a poignant and powerful coming-of-age story unfolds during the summer of 1987. Ten-year-old Bug wants to spend her summer at the beach with her brother, but ends up befriending Frankie, her neighbor's nephew. Throughout the summer, Bug and Frankie discover important lessons about family, friendship, allyship, and finding one's true self in a complicated world.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bug
Danny
Frankie
Philip
Discussion points
How did Frankie and Bug's friendship change throughout the story? What do you think brought them closer together?
What are some ways that Frankie and Bug showed they cared for each other and their community?
How do you think Bug felt when she learned new things about her family and friends? Have you ever had a similar experience?
What does this book teach us about accepting and celebrating differences among people?
If you could give advice to any character in the book, who would it be and what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Bug's or Frankie's situations, reinforcing understanding of the characters' emotions.
Highlight the importance of community and teamwork, discussing how Bug and Frankie worked together to solve problems.
Discuss the growth of each character, prompting your child to think about how they have grown or hope to grow.
Use examples from the book to discuss broader themes like diversity and acceptance, making connections to real-world scenarios your child might encounter.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part of the book, deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: In 'Frankie & Bug,' the characters develop a strong bond throughout the story, learning to trust each other despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building trusted relationships, aiding their social development and teaching them how to interact cohesively with diverse peers.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and embracing diversity
Explanation: The narrative promotes inclusivity by introducing characters from various backgrounds and perspectives, teaching young readers to embrace diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and accepting of people from all walks of life, fostering a more inclusive attitude in real-world social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Bug and Frankie face challenges that they overcome by working together, showcasing effective collaboration and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these strategies to school projects or conflicts with peers, learning that teamwork often leads to the best solutions.
Example Lesson: Handling change
Explanation: As the characters deal with evolving situations in their environment, the story teaches adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that change is a part of life and equips them with the flexibility to handle transitions smoothly.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: Bug shows courage in the face of new challenges, which encourages young readers to be brave in their own lives.
Real-World Application: This lesson empowers children to face everyday anxieties, from trying out for a sports team to standing up for what's right in challenging situations.