Forman, Gayle. Frankie & Bug. Fiction. Aladdin, 10/2021. 273pp. $17.99. 978-1-5344-8253-1. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-8.
Ten-year-old Bug (Beatrice) is upset that her summer vacation will not go as planned. Her older brother Danny needs time to himself, and neighbor Philip’s nephew Frankie is coming to visit, and Bug will have to entertain him. Set in 1987 in Venice, California, this sensitive, smoothly written novel deals with gay-bashing (Philip), racism (Danny and Bug are half Salvadoran), transphobia, and a serial killer, while still managing to depict a warm, loving extended family. Even though it concerns serious issues, it includes some humor and strong characterizations of the children and of most of the adults. The Southern California setting is described in detail, including Venice’s beach scene, Disneyland, and Beverly Hills. Beatty Award winner. This book has California-specific content.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool