Rules

In this book club you will discuss Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson in a small group of 4-6 readers. You will start a conversation by responding to discussion questions about the text. The book club opens with a brief introduction that one of you reads out loud. The book club then continues in four rounds:

  1. Round 1 consists of 5 quiz questions about the text. One of the group members acts as the quiz master who reads each question out loud, after which everyone (including the quiz master) writes down their answer. The correct answers will appear on the screen after you have turned over the final question card. You may then check your answers and calculate your scores.
  2. Round 2 consists of genuine questions that you have. Each group member consults the group about a part of the text that they thought was unclear. Together, you try to find answers to the questions that are raised. After everything has been cleared up, your group is ready to proceed to the next round.
  3. Round 3 consists of questions for discussion. There are two categories to choose from. The person with the most correct answers to the quiz questions gets to be the first to turn over a card and respond to the question. The other members of the group may then add to the discussion by responding and sharing their ideas. Take turns until all cards are flipped.
  4. Round 4 is when you get to review the text. How many stars would you give the text and why? Discuss this together until you have reached a shared verdict. Use the text box to explain your choice.

Introduction

‘We walked across the playground to a secret garden behind it. The school didn’t allow us to go there, but some of the students went there anyway. I also knew that Sally was only being nice to me because of Sam. I still hated her. Or did I still hate her? Now I wasn’t sure.’ (p. 22)

Frankie’s life is not as easy as it used to be. Her parents are divorced, her dad has a new girlfriend, and her mother is ill. Frankie and her older sister try to help their mother, but they fight more and more, and slowly grow apart. Frankie’s best friend Sam is always there for her, but things become difficult when Sam seems to be in love with her, and Frankie does not feel the same way. At school, Frankie used to hang out with the boys, but lately things have changed. Now, she hardly has any friends because her classmate Sally and her friends are horrible to her. Then something unexpected happens: Sally and Frankie become friends, and this is the start of many changes in Frankie’s life.

Round 1: Quiz



Quiz question

1. How do Frankie and Sam know each other, and how long have they been friends?

2. What does Frankie’s dad buy for her during Christmas shopping?

3. What do Frankie and Sally do in Miss Elliot’s classroom after they had to stay after school?

4. Where do Sally, Frankie and Sam go during the Christmas holiday?

5. What Christmas present does Frankie’s dad give to Frankie?

Answers

1. Frankie and Sam are neighbours and have known each other since they were 4 or 5 years old.
2. A little wooden bear (about as big as Frankie’s little finger).
3. They go to the shopping centre and eat burgers.
4. They go to an ice-skating rink.
5. A brand new (expensive) phone.

Round 2: Initial questions

Take turns selecting one of the excerpts (fragmenten/stukjes) from the book listed below. Think of a question you would like to ask one of the characters, and work together to find an answer to that question.

  1. ‘Suddenly, Sam … hot and red.’ (p. 18)
  2. ‘You can … Miss Elliot.’ (p. 32)
  3. ‘She’s not … best friends.’ (p. 47)
  4. ‘She’s got … couldn’t see.’ (p. 48-49)
  5. ‘Are you … his questions.’ (p. 53)

Round 3: Discussion



Personal connections?

Card 1/6 - Personal connections?

Have you ever been worried about a family member and felt the need to take care of them? What kind of help could someone need? How would you take care of someone who needs help?

Card 2/6 - Personal connections?

Have you ever bullied or made fun of someone to later discover you should not have done that? Or have you ever been bullied or made fun of by someone who later apologised?

Card 3/6 - Personal connections?

If you were ever in a situation where you had to keep something a secret from your parents, teachers or friends, what would you do? Can you imagine how they could help you in such a situation?

Card 4/6 - Personal connections?

What would you do if one of your friends kissed you by surprise?

Card 5/6 - Personal connections?

Can you imagine a situation in which you have to take care of one of your parents like Zara and Frankie? Would you react in the same way as them?

Card 6/6 - Personal connections?

Do you understand why Sally says she loves Frankie but does not tell her friends about it? Why or why not?

Personal connections?

That was the last card!



Food for thought?

Card 1/6 - Food for thought?

Do you think a girl and a boy can still be friends if one of them is in love with the other but the other is not in love? Why or why not?

Card 2/6 - Food for thought?

Do you think it is smart of Frankie’s dad to bring his new girlfriend along when he takes his daughters out on Sundays? Why or why not?

Card 3/6 - Food for thought?

In your opinion, should Frankie be pushing her mum to call the doctor for another appointment?

Card 4/6 - Food for thought?

Frankie’s dad doesn’t take it seriously that she’s in love with a girl. He says it’s just a phase and she’s too young to fall in love. Do you think teenagers can fall in love or do you have to be an adult to fall in love?

Card 5/6 - Food for thought?

Zara is understanding and supportive when Frankie finally says she’s in love with Sally. Do you think all sisters and brothers would react like this? What other reactions do you think are possible?

Card 6/6 - Food for thought?

Sam is in love with Frankie but she tells him she does not love him in that way. Do you think they can still be friends?

Food for thought?

That was the last card!

Round 4: Review

Review Love Frankie by rating the novel on a scale of one to five stars, and then provide an explanation for your choice. Discuss what aspects you enjoyed and what aspects you didn’t, and provide reasons for your opinions. Reflect on whether the discussion influenced your individual perspective, and if so, how. Incorporate examples and arguments from your responses to the discussion questions to support your review.

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