The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Holm's The Fourteenth Goldfish and Holly Goldberg Sloan's Counting by 7s, this heartfelt, deeply moving middle-grade debut features an offbeat girl who learns that she can remain true to herself while also letting others in. Eleven-year-old Frances is an observer of both nature and people, just like her idol, the anthropologist Margaret Mead. She spends most of her time up on the rocks behind her house in her 'rock world,' as Alvin, her kindhearted and well-read school bus driver, calls it. It's the one place where Frances can truly be herself, and where she doesn't have to think about her older sister, Christinia, who is growing up and changing in ways that Frances can't understand. But when the unimaginable happens, Frances slowly discovers that perhaps the world outside her rugged, hidden paradise isn't so bad after all, and that maybe--just maybe--she can find connection and camaraderie with the people who have surrounded her all along. Original, accessible, and deeply affecting, April Stevens's middle-grade debut about an unforgettable girl and an unlikely friendship will steal your heart.
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Frances Pauley
Mrs. Pauley
Chris Pauley
Alvina
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most in Frances Pauley, and why?
How do Frances’ relationships with others change throughout the story, and what do you think prompted those changes?
What did Frances learn about friendship and loneliness? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why is it important to have a special place like Frances' 'rock'? Do you have a special place of your own?
How does Frances handle challenges and what can we learn from her approach?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, linking them to their own experiences.
Ask your child to think about how they would handle situations similar to those Frances faces, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the significance of empathy and understanding, drawing parallels between the book's characters and real-life situations.
Create an open, supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without judgment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Frances, the protagonist, is portrayed as a unique individual with her own quirks and interests. She teaches us the importance of embracing who we are.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique traits and those of others, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The story elegantly handles the theme of grief as Frances deals with the loss of her friend. It provides a gentle exploration of coping mechanisms and the process of healing.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their emotions and find healthy ways to deal with loss, whether it's the death of a pet, moving away from friends, or other changes.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendships
Explanation: Throughout the book, Frances learns about the deep impact that friendships can have, even with people who are very different from herself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships, understanding different perspectives, and supporting each other.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Frances shows a keen interest in the world around her, particularly in nature. Her curiosity drives her to learn and discover more.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their interests and the world around them, promoting lifelong learning and observation skills.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: Frances faces several changes in her life and learns to adapt, finding comfort in her own identity and support systems.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life and that resilience and adaptability are key qualities to develop.