Frankie's World

June 1, 2022
A realistic graphic novel about a young autistic girl. Eleven-year-old Frankie, who lives in Ireland, struggles socially. For one thing, people tell her she talks way too much, and they often react like she's said the wrong thing at the wrong time. There's a bunch of other stuff that makes her feel different--her taste in music, her small size, her sensitivity--so she feels about as weird as the class bullies say she is. Frankie's family--Mam, stepfather, and annoying little sister--is pretty great though, especially her supportive mother. When an upcoming competition in art, Frankie's favorite school subject, focuses on the theme of your true self, Frankie wonders if she might be more similar to her absent father than the family she lives with. To find out more, she and her friends begin a quest to locate her dad. With positive endings to the various storylines, the narrative demonstrates just how validating an autism diagnosis can be. Frankie goes from feeling like an alien to understanding and appreciating how her brain works. Dooley, who is autistic herself, uses clean, comic-style art in black, blue, and orange. The illustrations are fun, playful, and endearing--just like Frankie. Frankie and her family are White; diversity in health, ability, and race is woven naturally into the story. Validating for those who need it, delightful reading for all. (autism information, guide to being a friend, superhero name generator) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

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September 2, 2022

Gr 3-6-Eleven-year-old Frankie is a sweet yet socially awkward girl living in Ireland. She's been told she talks too much and has a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time; she never quite feels like she fits in, and the mean girls at school are quick to call her "weird" and "freak." Frankie does have a support system, though: she's very close with her Mam; her best friend, Sam; and even her stepfather and annoying younger sister. An upcoming art competition at school prompts introspection in Frankie as she thinks about her "true self"-the competition's theme-ultimately sending her on a quest to find and connect with her father, who may have answers as to why she is the way she is. Dooley, who is autistic, presents a positive journey to self-discovery and an autism diagnosis, depicted as a moment of enlightenment rather than a grim delivery: "No wonder my brain didn't know what to do. It had the wrong manual." Clean, bold comic-style artwork in black, blue, and orange is eye-catching and easy to read, and illustrations are fun and engaging. Frankie and her family present as white, and diverse characters populate the story. VERDICT An excellent first purchase for graphic novel collections.-Rosemary Kiladitis

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 3, 2022
Irish 11-year-old Frankie works to learn more about her father, and herself, in this affirming graphic novel of neurodivergence and self-acceptance. The smallest child in her class, Frankie experiences sensory sensitivities and perceives social awkwardness around both her talkativeness and saying “the wrong thing at the worst time.” As her school kicks off an art competition with a theme of finding one’s “true self,” Frankie—who hopes that the workings of her brain are proof that she’s from another universe—wonders if she might be similar to her long-absent father. Inspired to steal her birth certificate and find him, she begins an inquiry that culminates with a discovery that she’s not alone in her idiosyncracies after all. Goofy antics, close friendships, and bathroom humor add lightheartedness to slice-of-life events, including bullying, Frankie’s dreaded growth hormone injections, and her beloved mother’s heart condition. Autistic comedian Dooley’s stylized, minimalist black-line artwork against a narrow palette of white, orange, and blue lends a sketchbook immediacy to Frankie’s perspective. Frankie presents as white; secondary characters are variously diverse. Back matter includes autism facts and myths, and advice on how to be a good friend. Ages 8–12. Agent: Faith O’Grady, Lisa Richards Agency.