Frankie & Bug

By: Gayle Forman

Narrated by: Stockard Channing

A 2022 Audie Award Finalist

“Joyful, occasionally heartbreaking, deeply moving.” —R. J. Palacio, bestselling author of Wonder

In the debut middle grade novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman comes a poignant and powerful coming-of-age story that follows a young girl and her new friend as they learn about family, friendship, allyship, and finding your way in a complicated world.

It’s the summer of 1987, and all ten-year-old Bug wants to do is go to the beach with her older brother and hang out with the locals on the boardwalk. But Danny wants to be with his own friends, and Bug’s mom is too busy, so Bug is stuck with their neighbor Philip’s nephew, Frankie.

Bug’s not too excited about hanging out with a kid she’s never met, but they soon find some common ground. And as the summer unfolds, they find themselves learning some important lessons about each other, and the world.

Like what it means to be your true self and how to be a good ally for others. That family can be the people you’re related to, but also the people you choose to have around you. And that even though life isn’t always fair, we can all do our part to make it more just.

A amazing LGBTQ activist story!

O.M.G! I love this book! It showed such good expectations about life and I especially love that It shoes some f the characters as LGBTQ’s! I think this book is a great role model for children ages 7 and up. You must read Frankie and Bug!

A Delightful and Poignant Story

There have been several books dealing with difficult or controversial issues in 2021. Frankie & Bug is one of the most profound children's books I've read that deals with prejudice and the need for justice. Bug is such an engaging character, and Frankie is wonderful. I wanted to hug him. THe supporting characters are multi-layered and lend a sense of hope to this story. I particularly loved Philip and Hedwig. Even BUg's AUnt Terry, who at first seems one-dimensional, is shown to have a stronger character dynamic than first appears.
I remember listening to the Ramona QUimby books when I was growing up and loving them so much. Having Stockard Channing read this novel was so perfect. It brought back so many childhood memories. Ms. CHanning reads beautifully and has distinct voices for all the characters.
Please give this powerful novel a chance. WHile it deals with some difficult themes, Gayle Forman helps readers to understand the historical setting, and you will love the authentic characterization. Happy listening, and GOd bless you all.

A fun an topical read

Gayle Forman‘s latest novel is aimed at a younger age group than most of her YA novels, but it can still be read with pleasure by all ages. It touchingly addresses gender identity and racial issues without a heavy hand, yet it is still guaranteed to be banned from the libraries of half the schools in the country because of their preference for ideology over compassion.