REVIEW: The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements

Summary


Josh Willet’s Language Arts teacher, Mr. N, is like someone from the stone age! No computers in class. An honest-to-goodness CHALKBOARD in the classroom. And handwritten homework. What century is this guy living in?!

One night while working on his (handwritten) homework, Josh’s pen runs out of ink. The one he borrows from his mom has the word “Frindle” written on it. Josh looks up the word online and get’s an unbelievable surprise. The kid who invented the word Frindle? Nicholas Allen?

He looks just like Mr. N!

So Josh opens a new file on his computer, names it “The Frindle Files,” and starts investigating his teacher and this “Nick Allen,” the creator of Frindle.

Review


This. Was. Incredible.

It’s everything I wanted it to be. I should never have doubted Andrew Clements.

This has a familiar and similar dynamic as the original book without being an outright copy. And it’s sharp and contemporary without trying too hard. The main characters of The Frindle Files are like Nick and his friends from Frindle – smart and clever kids who aren’t perfect but who have good intentions. Their grown ups – both at school and at home – want what’s best for the kids. And that’s provided with both freedom and boundaries.

And the teacher/student relationship is everything I loved from the original.

Of course, I re-read Frindle for a refresh before diving into this – and I’m so glad I did. It made the call backs so easy to recognize. And I cried happy tears through both books. Clements fans and Frindle fans – do NOT miss this!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BOOK SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS: The 2024 Holiday Hint List Is Here

The holiday season is upon us!

That’s the rule, right? Once Halloween is over, we can start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas? I’ve been trying to wait to do my shopping this year. I find when I start too soon – with the movies, with the music, with the shopping – I get burned out by mid-December and then Christmas is disappointing. But just because I’m not DOING Christmas thing doesn’t mean I’m not THINKING about doing Christmas things! And I have already put together my 2024 Holiday Hint list for my readers. If you are looking for some book recommendations for the readers in your life, look no more.

Here is the 2024 Neverending TBR Holiday Shopping Hint List

You can see my past lists here if you are looking for more suggestions. And as in past years, I put together a Padlet so you can see the covers of the books on the list because if you are like me, you absolutely judge books by their covers.

Don’t forget to use the Holiday Hint List to help you add some books to your holiday wish list, too! Happy holidays.