Title: Frankie & Bug
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: October 12, 2021
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Summary
It’s 1987 and Bug is ready for another summer spent at the beach. However, she quickly learns that her older brother won’t be taking her to the beach anymore. Enter Frankie: her neighbor’s nephew who will be visiting him for the summer. At first, Bug isn’t too excited about spending her summer with someone she doesn’t know. She’s pretty sure her summer is a bust.
At least, until they find common ground. They work together trying to catch the Midnight Marauder, a serial killer stalking the area where they live. They spend their time hunting down clues, sure they’re onto him. However, when violence strikes close to home, they have to evaluate themselves and their community.
Review: Frankie & Bug
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! I love Gayle Forman’s YA stuff, so I was definitely excited to read her entry into middle grade fiction. I’m happy to say this book is definitely a success! A lovely story all about friendship and accepting those that are different than us.
The characters! Honestly, this was absolutely the best thing about this book. Frankie and Bug have such great chemistry on the page, and you get sucked into them and their mystery. At the beginning of the book, Bug is pretty set in her ways. But meeting Frankie allows her to let loose a little, learning that even if things don’t got the way you expect, you can still make the best of it.
Set in the 1980s, there’s also a lot in here about tolerance and learning to accpet those that are different. Forman really captures the 80s feel, and I think a lot of middle grade readers will enjoy this story. They’ll get to learn how much things have changed in the US since then, and maybe how much they haven’t. There are a lot of little details in the book that really set the stage and bring the whole community together. I loved reading about this little group in LA, and would love to read more adventures from them!
All in all, this is a great middle grade debut that has mystery, friendship, and a great heart.
4/5 stars