Frindle by Andrew Clements is one of my all-time favorite books. It could be because I once created a word of my own – glimly – but I think it’s because I like the way that Nick is rebellious in a respectful way. I also like the way social and emotional learning (SEL) concepts are a fundamental part of the book. And – I love it because it’s plain fun. The school setting makes it easy for your child to slide into the storyworld, but let’s help them with some questions to be sure they’re firmly ready to go by the end of the first chapter.
Getting Started
- Who is Nick Allen?
- Why isn’t he on any of the lists?
- What was special about Nick?
- Where does Nick go to school?
- What did he do to Miss Deaver’s room?
- Did he involve the class or do it alone?
- Did Miss Deaver have a lot of teaching experience?
- How many days did it take for Nick to create the full effect in Miss Deaver’s room?
- Why was Manny unhappy?
- What happened when the principal arrived in Miss Deaver’s room?
- What grade was Nick in then?
- When did Nick make his great blackbird discovery?
- What was the discovery?
- Who was his teacher at the time?
- Did Janet Fisk make the noise that Mrs. Avery thought she had?
- Did Mrs. Avery apologize to Janet?
- Why?
- How did Nick feel about getting Janet in trouble?
- How do you know?
- How did Janet respond?
- Did Janet join in after lunch?
- What about the rest of the fourth-grade year?
What Do You Think?
Is Nick trying to cause trouble?
Does Nick have good ideas?
Is Nick popular with the other kids?
What would you do if you had an idea like Nick’s?