Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is a former Children’s Laureate, and she has written more than 100 books for children.

The central character in her latest book is Frankie. She is nearly fourteen and life has a few challenges. Her mum and her dad have separated after her dad left for another woman, and her mum is having to contend with living with the illness MS. At school, Frankie is bullied by Sally and her gang of friends.

A coming of age story, Frankie is surprised when she strikes up a friendship with her former nemesis Sally – and she discovers she isn’t so mean after all. Everyone thinks that when it’s time for a romantic relationship, Frankie will have feelings for her best friend Sam, who she has known most of her life. But it’s Sally that Frankie has feelings for that are stronger than just friendship.

We really enjoyed the family dynamics in this story with Frankie and her two sisters and their mum, and also Sam, who is like a brother to them all. Love Frankie also has excellent themes that tackle bullying and also the issues of a loved one having a chronic illness.

Reviewers: Karen McMillan and Milla McKenzie-Brown

Penguin Random House, RRP $30.00