Frindle by Andrew Clements

Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Mid-Late Elementary

Inspired by his teacher’s comment about origins of words, a fifth grader has an idea about creating a new word. This escalates into what the press eventually describes as a war over whether kids can use the word.

Throughout the book, children refuse to submit to authority as the new word gains power and momentum. The kid and his parents decide that he’s not doing anything wrong by using his new word, but this is questionable as the new word is disruptive to the classroom and school.

In the end, everyone wins. It is an interesting and thought-provoking book, and an enjoyable story. But it needs parent supervision because I would only recommend it for a reader who does not have a strong mischievous streak, and who doesn’t struggle submitting to authority.

See also my reviews of The Frindle Files, which I liked even more, The Landry News, which was fantastic, and Big Al, which is one of my favorite picture books.

*This book is also reviewed on HouseFullOfBookworms.com: https://www.housefullofbookworms.com/frindle/