The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

Author:E. Lockhart

ISBN:978-0786838196

Publication Information:Hyperion Books CH

Plot Summary: Over the summer, Frankie Landau-Banks has transformed from a geeky Freshman to an attractive Sophomore, and she is ready to take her private school, Alabaster Prep by storm. She no longer wants to be the unassuming, wall flower student, she wants to make a name for herself in the school. She begins by getting a hot senior boyfriend, but she wants more. She wants to be part of the school's elite secret society the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. The only problem is that the Basset Hounds is a male only society. Still, that won't stop Frankie as she hatches a genius master plan to trick the Basset Hounds into doing her bidding. How long can Frankie continue her charade until someone catches on?

Critical Evaluation: This Printz Honor book is the perfect recommendation for girls that are looking to break through the glass ceiling, and are fed up with different sexist traditions that our society continues to uphold (e.g. like the gentleman's club or "secret society" in the book). Lockhart has created a fun, fast and entertaining read, with a protagonist that any feminist would be proud of. Frankie is a near perfect role model for young teens to relate to, she is a strong female, but she is still a teenage girl, with all the crushes, insecurities and drama that goes along being a young adult. Frankie's continuous decisions on whether to trust her own instincts or go along with the status quo are spot on conflicts that every teenager faces, and should be instantly recognized by readers. A great recommendation for many teen girls.

Reader's Annotation:Frankie Landau-Banks has big plans for her Sophomore year. She is ready to make a splash and she won't let anyone (especially not some dumb, sexist secret society) get in her way.

Author Information: E. (Emily) Lockhart was born in New York city. In addition to Frankie Landau-Banks, she is the author of the Ruby Oliver books (three in publication and one due to be released later this year), Dramarama, Fly on the Wall and How to Bad. She is a full time writer, a vegetarian, and practices yoga on a regular basis. (Information gathered from the author's website http://e-lockhart.com/main/?)

Curricular Ties: N/A

Genre:Real life, chick lit

Book talking ideas:

• What would you do if a group denied you membership because of your gender?
• Was it wrong for Frankie to trick the Basset Hounds?
• What was your favorite prank? Why?
  

Challenge issues:N/A

Interest Age:Grades 8 and up

Why I selected this piece:I am a big advocate of any girl power books. Once I had heard that this book had a smart, funny, strong female protagonist, I immediately checked out the book, and devoured it in one sitting.