Franny Parker

By Hannah McKinnon and Hannah Roberts McKinnon

Book Overview

"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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374324697
• ISBN13: 9780374324698
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.4" x 0.8" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

A Must Read!!!

What a wonderfully written tale. A must read. Franny warms the heart and reminds us of what is truly important. It brought me back to the wonders of growing up. I read this book upon recommendation for my class next year and I intend upon sharing it with everyone I know. The imagery and superb flow of the book make it a wonderful choice for any age reader. Thank you Hannah McKinnon for bringing grace and finesse back to children's literature.

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children

Franny's small Oklahoma town is experiencing one of the worst droughts since the Great Depression era, and people are suffering. Many local farmers have lost their harvests and have needed to apply for government aid, and neighbors exchange worried glances as they wonder who is next. In the midst of these troubled times, Franny and her tight-knit family are happy to welcome new neighbors: a kind, artistic woman named Lindy and her handsome teenage son, Lucas. As Franny and Lucas develop a strong bond through their common interest in caring for stray and hurt animals, they also begin to share some secrets about Lucas's family situation that may be too big for just the two of them to keep. This tender novel offers middle grade readers a powerful taste of how a small-town community comes together to support its members as they struggle with a sharp seasonal downturn and with personal difficulties. With the story told through the voice of young Franny, the tone is never heavy and includes pleasant insights into how children find opportunities to help others during challenging situations.