Frindle

Title: Frindle

Author: Andrew Clements
# of Pages: 112

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Age Range: 8-12 years
Grade Level: 3-7

This book is Andrew Clements' first novel. This book takes place in fifth grade in 1997. Nicholas "Nick" Allen is unhappy because he got the most disliked English teacher in the school. One day in class, he wants to stall for time in class, so he asks a smart mouth question to his teacher "where does each word come from?" After this, his teacher assigned them to write an essay about it for homework. Nick decides to think of a new name for his pen: "frindle." His classmates really liked his idea and soon everyone in the school was using that word, it started to gain national attention. English teacher Mrs. Granger doesn't like this word because she thinks it is disrespectful to the word "pen," which actually does have a long history. Her punishment to the students is to stay after school and write lines for saying "Frindle." This eventually became a problem because every student used the word, so every student had to stay late. And their parents got frustrated because they're the ones who drive. The principal goes to Nick's house to end the use of the word, but now it's out of Nick's hand, the word cannot be controlled! Even merchandise now has the word frindle on it! You'll have to read to see who this ends! 

This book has won over 35 awards! This is a very realistic topic, many students don't get the teacher they like or are curious as to where words come from. When I was younger, I also made up my own words. I love this book, and I will have it in my classroom library. Students are curious and this book is perfect to feed their curiosity. This takes place in an elementary school, which is a realistic and relatable setting. The theme and storyline are well carried out and developed throughout the entire story. The epilogue at the even adds to the story and tells readers what happens years later. 

Classroom Activities and Lesson Ideas: 

• Teach about word origin
• Have students make up their own words
• Unit
• Make a story board as seen below: 

Here's the book trailer: