Franny Parker

By Hannah Roberts McKinnon

Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Reading Level: 4+

Thirteen year old Franny Parker's summer has just begun. She doesn't expect anything extraordinary to occur, just regular life in the small Oklahoma town where she lives with her parents and older and younger siblings. Regular life includes her best friend Pearl, her artist mom, the animal hospital Franny "runs" with her younger brother Ben, and the disapproval always present in her Grandma's demeanor. That all changes when Luke and his mom move in to the cabin across from Franny's farmhouse. Franny takes and instant liking to Luke, but it quickly becomes apparent that things aren't okay with the Dunn family. When Luke's alcoholic father shows up Franny learns the important lesson that just because you offer help doesn't mean those in need will take it. 

McKinnon's first novel is a well written account of small town life. Like Faith, Hope and Ivy  and Also known as Harper, this book is not bogged down with accounts of cell phones and text messages, designer jeans, or reality TV. Instead the strength is in the way the multi-generational characters interact with each other. The details of the story will keep readers engaged and eager to learn what becomes of Luke and his mom.

McKinnon, H.R. (2009). Franny Parker. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux.