Description
A fantastical novel from award-winning author Colleen Nelson, about a hundred-year-old side show and a girl with no past.
Frankie doesn't trust easily. Not others and not even herself. Found in an alley when she was a child, she has no memory of who she is or why she was left there. Recurring dreams about a hundred-year-old carnival side show, a performer known as Alligator Girl, and a man named Monsieur Duval have an eerie familiarity to them.
Frankie gets drawn deeper into Alligator Girl's world and the secrets that keep the performers bound together. But a startling encounter with Monsieur Duval when she's awake makes Frankie wonder what's real and what's in her head.
As Frankie's and Alligator Girl's stories unfold, Frankie's life takes a sharp turn. Are the dreams her way of working through her trauma or is there a more sinister plan at work? And if there is, does she have the strength to fight it?
About the Author
Colleen Nelson is a teacher and an award-winning YA author whose novels include Spin, Sadia, Blood Brothers, and Finding Hope. She lives in Winnipeg.
Reviews
Nelson has crafted a magical realism story that will keep readers wondering until the end ... Readers who like mysteries and a little bit of magic will enjoy this one. * School Library Journal *
The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. is a powerful, genuinely creepy novel rooted in well-developed characters and vivid imaginative leeps ... an immersive and utterly pleasurable read. * Quill & Quire *
Readers who zero in on Frankie will likely find her memorable long after all the rest has faded. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *
Full of ancient Egyptian curses, time travel, and high school mean girls, The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. is an intriguing puzzle box of a mystery as well as a powerful statement about human connection and empathy. Highly Recommended. * CM: Canadian Review of Materials *
Frankie's voice is authentic, strong when needed, confused when vulnerable, and always real ... Colleen Nelson makes us care, and shows us that we can be hopeful that Frankie will get the life she deserves, unencumbered by those who deem to use her to get the lives they desire. * CanLit for Little Canadians *
Fans of fantasy and paranormal will find The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. difficult to put down and a resilient protagonist worthy of their attention. * SesayArts Magazine *
Author Nelson has created an intriguing and original story that touches not only on the play between the supernatural and reality, but also connects with real-life issues of young people, especially issues of trust, fitting in, and finding friendships. This novel is highly recommended. * Historical Novels Review *
Awards
Commended for Tome Student Literacy Society It List 2022 (United States). Short-listed for SYRCA Snow Willow Award 2022 (Canada) and High Plans Book Award 2022 (United States).
Book Information
ISBN 9781459747586
Author Colleen Nelson
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Dundurn Group Ltd
Publisher Dundurn Group Ltd
Weight(grams) 227g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 127mm * 25mm
Frankie doesn't trust easily. Not others and not even herself. Found in an alley when she was a child, she has no memory of who she is or why she was left there. Recurring dreams about a hundred-year-old carnival side show, a performer known as Alligator Girl, and a man named Monsieur Duval have an eerie familiarity to them.
Frankie gets drawn deeper into Alligator Girl's world and the secrets that keep the performers bound together. But a startling encounter with Monsieur Duval when she's awake makes Frankie wonder what's real and what's in her head.
As Frankie's and Alligator Girl's stories unfold, Frankie's life takes a sharp turn. Are the dreams her way of working through her trauma or is there a more sinister plan at work? And if there is, does she have the strength to fight it?
About the Author
Colleen Nelson is a teacher and an award-winning YA author whose novels include Spin, Sadia, Blood Brothers, and Finding Hope. She lives in Winnipeg.
Reviews
Nelson has crafted a magical realism story that will keep readers wondering until the end ... Readers who like mysteries and a little bit of magic will enjoy this one. * School Library Journal *
The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. is a powerful, genuinely creepy novel rooted in well-developed characters and vivid imaginative leeps ... an immersive and utterly pleasurable read. * Quill & Quire *
Readers who zero in on Frankie will likely find her memorable long after all the rest has faded. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *
Full of ancient Egyptian curses, time travel, and high school mean girls, The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. is an intriguing puzzle box of a mystery as well as a powerful statement about human connection and empathy. Highly Recommended. * CM: Canadian Review of Materials *
Frankie's voice is authentic, strong when needed, confused when vulnerable, and always real ... Colleen Nelson makes us care, and shows us that we can be hopeful that Frankie will get the life she deserves, unencumbered by those who deem to use her to get the lives they desire. * CanLit for Little Canadians *
Fans of fantasy and paranormal will find The Life and Deaths of Frankie D. difficult to put down and a resilient protagonist worthy of their attention. * SesayArts Magazine *
Author Nelson has created an intriguing and original story that touches not only on the play between the supernatural and reality, but also connects with real-life issues of young people, especially issues of trust, fitting in, and finding friendships. This novel is highly recommended. * Historical Novels Review *
Awards
Commended for Tome Student Literacy Society It List 2022 (United States). Short-listed for SYRCA Snow Willow Award 2022 (Canada) and High Plans Book Award 2022 (United States).
Book Information
ISBN 9781459747586
Author Colleen Nelson
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Dundurn Group Ltd
Publisher Dundurn Group Ltd
Weight(grams) 227g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 127mm * 25mm
