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Frannie in Pieces

(2007, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Delia Ephron, Illustrated by Chad Beckerman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Honest look at teen's grief after her dad's death.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A teen going through grief lashes out frequently at her family and friends while realizing the behavior is wrong. Characters throughout the book are shown as caring and supportive.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A man dies of natural causes and his body is described. Several household items are described in ways that they could kill a person. A girl puts a poison berry on her tongue but doesn't eat it.
  • Sex:

    A couple talks of a romantic time in which their child was conceived. Teens kiss, flirt, and fantasize; one boy takes his shirt off flirtatiously.
  • Language:

    Occasional teenage swearing, including "s--t."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults are shown drinking wine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Frannie in Pieces

Parents need to know that this book deals with the death of a parent. A teen works through grief that leaves her angry, sad, depressed, and, at times, mean to those around her. A dead body is described and suicide is briefly contemplated. There is a period of obsession with death and mentions of various ways to die.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about losing a loved one and the different ways in which people express grief. How did Frannie's family and friends react to her throughout the book? How do you identify with different characters?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0

    I have not finshed this book but i seems really good so far!

    I love this book so far! I have not read the whole thing yet i just started! But it seems like my type of book! So read it! From wat i heard my age isent great for this book but oh well! Just read it and u tell me if its appporprite!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    A Very Good Book

    A wonderful book.

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