Love Frankie

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Love Frankie is destined to be another Jacqueline Wilson classic as it depicts real life issues in a sensitive manner. There were several instances of fat-shaming and talk of diet culture which is always disappointing but especially so in children's/YA lit. Frankie was perhaps a little bit of a stereotype in some ways (Doc Martens and checked shirts) but a very engaging character, and I felt Jacqueline Wilson didn’t lose sight of the fact that she’s only thirteen (nearly fourteen). After over 400 hundred pages, I had hoped that we would have a greater sense of resolution at the end!

Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson | Goodreads Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson | Goodreads

At the same time Frankie is weirdly interested in being with their girl at school who is the meanest to her. The only discomfort Frankie shows is because it’s a guy and she is not interested in guys; the at least 5 year age difference and the potential influence of alcohol is not even acknowledged let alone properly explored. The book's strong suit is the family relationships, including dealing with a mum's illness, and the various friendships, but I had too many little issues with one aspect or another that I don't want to go into, to give it more than 3 stars. Wilson publicly came out in April and released her first ever book with a gay protagonist this past August. I am delighted that she is illustrating to young girls that their feelings are valid, normal, and that love comes in so many forms.When one of Frankie’s bullies starts to strike up an actual friendship with her, Frankie is unsure what to think. When Wilson publicly came out as LGBT+ back in April, this book was mentioned as it was due to be released, however, it was delayed thanks to COVID.

Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson - LoveReading4Kids Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson - LoveReading4Kids

The bully to lovers storyline is a trope that we all recognise and sometimes it can work however in this case there wasn't enough depth or work put in to their emotional development. When Frankie’s best friend Sam detects that something is worrying Frankie, he tries to encourage her to talk to him. Wilson allows kids to be kids, and to be bratty sometimes and have a tantrum and let it all out, and then she lets them be forgiven for it. As an adult (much like Frankie’s mum/older sister) I felt very wary of Sally and thought she was two-dimensional and narcissistic.The main theme of sexuality was handled very well and I particularly liked how the characters were so different in their approach to it – it made it feel very real and showed how people’s reactions can be so different, whether they are the person with those feelings or whether they’re on the outside. She kept lashing out at her dad and making things difficult for everyone even though her sisters were managing to at least make a bit of an effort. I would read these books way past my bedtime hidden under the covers and finish them in one or two sittings. However, despite the promising subject-matter, as an adult reader, I got much less out of this than some of Wilson's other books, regardless of the age group they're aimed at.

Love Frankie - Wikipedia Love Frankie - Wikipedia

Until one day the two girls become best friends and they do everything together but Frankie is in love with Sally and Sally loves her back and they force to keep this a secret from their parents and from school. I was so truly hoping this would be the next inspirational book to our youth going through sexual orientation questions and yet I think this would be one of the worst books for them to read. Reading her thoughts and conversations was a little off-putting because of this, because who wants to read about a ten-year-old thinking about sex?This difficulty in raising children (due to a multitude of reasons) and single motherhood are each commonly recurring theme in many of JW’s books.