Frankie and Friends: Breaking News by Christine Platt, illustrated by Alea Marley. Walker Books, 2023. 9781536222098
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Realistic fiction
What did you like about the book? Frankie very much hopes to become a TV journalist just like her Mama. After Mama leaves for an out-of-town breaking news story, Frankie decides to set up her own news studio in her bedroom. She calls her show ‘Frankie and Friends.’ She has all the equipment, handed down from her mom, and the crew will consist of her toys, dolls, and cat, Nina Simone. Then the crew finds their first breaking story: who could that be crying down the hall? Frankie and her crew investigate and then host her first news show.
This is a wonderful early chapter book, the first of a planned series, with lots of information about journalism within the story. Journalistic terms are in all-caps, and are defined in the section “Understanding the News,” at the end. Appealing color digital illustrations appear in every page opening, and show a close-knit Black family with a high-powered working mom. Reading about Frankie orchestrating her own news show will be inspiring to kids who are interested in journalism.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a great option for kids who are newly into chapter books, for ages 6-8.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Fiction/easy chapter books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: December 2, 2023
Youth Services Book Review 
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