Module 6 – Frindle by Andrew Clemens

1. Citation – Clemens, Andrew. Frindle. Simon & Schuster (New York). 1996. (0689806698). 105p.
   
2. Summary – A notorious young boy begins his 5^th grade year with a teacher who obsesses over the dictionary. He tries various methods to "trick" her out of homework and other assignments. Each attempt backfires. However, after a comment about changing language, he stumbles onto the idea of creating a new word. He begins a revolution, first within his class, then the school. The story continues as he loses control of what he started, and has to confront everything from the principal to the media and himself.
   
3. Impressions of the Book- This book not only is a fun read, but it is inspirational as well. It can show that when you begin something, you may not realize what it will turn into. It also illustrates what it means to be a teacher, and that perception within the classroom and the lessons you later realize you learned are very different. I really enjoyed the voice of this book, and would recommend it to any elementary school child on the reading level.
   
4. Reviews – by Volkert Volkersz retrieved from Amazon.com
   

   As an elementary school librarian, I can say that "Frindle" is one of the finest books for intermediate grades I have read in a long time. I only regret that I didn't read it years ago, so I could've been recommending it to teachers to read-aloud and to students who would like a humorous, yet thought-provoking, story.
   

   Like most successful books for kids, "Frindle" works on many different levels. It's funny, fast-paced, and while the main character, Nick, is kind of a class clown, he has qualities that even a mean teacher like Mrs. Granger would like. And even though Mrs. Granger has a reputation for being strict, she also earns the respect of children and parents. While some situations are a bit far-fetched, this story is still quite realistic. We get a glimpse how a seemingly insignificant event at a small town elementary school through a media-frenzy becomes an international phenomenon. Can anyone say "fad?"
   

   3rd through 6th grade teachers should consider reading this book about the invention of a new word, "frindle," to their classes. Both teachers and students will enjoy it.
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – This book could be an elementary book club read, as it could promote various conversations. (Peer pressure, teacher vs. student, what would have happened if the teacher hadn't challenged the word, etc…).