Frankie has always had trouble fitting in. So much so that she has wondered if in fact she is an alien. She talks too much in class, says the
wrong thing in the worst moments and is small for her age. Her quirky personality and lack of height makes her the perfect target for two bullies in her class – Nadine and Shauna. Frankie also has to have regular hospital visits about her growth. This is something she wants to stay secret from her classmates – especially the injections in her bum!
It’s not all bad though. She has a loyal friend called Sam at her side, and she has just begun Karate lessons to help with her confidence. But the more she thinks about her differences the more she wants to know why. Maybe her dad is an alien? She can’t remember him and it would explain so much. Putting their heads together, Frankie and Sam decide to do some digging on her dad.
After some commando crawling (under her mum and stepdad’s bed – while he’s in it), finding another friend and meeting an old punk who tells her that being different is good, Frankie is feeling better about things. But she still hasn’t found her dad. Other worries have come her way too. Mum is sick, school is messy and Nadine and Shauna are planning something nasty for their upcoming school trip.
Her friends have stuck by her, keen to help. With her new found karate confidence, her friend’s help and the courage they give her, Frankie finally learns she’s not even a little bit alien – but autistic like her dad.
Illustrated in orange, blue and black tones, this fun and funky graphic novel not only captures middle school well, but the confusion of a child with undiagnosed autism.
There is much more packed into this story – class bullies, friendships, blended families, trying new things (karate), and discovering who you are.
In the rear of the book is more information about Autism including a description, and facts & myths. Just as important is a page on how to be a good friend, and a way to discover your own funny superhero name.
Great read.
Author / Illustrator – Aoife Dooley
Age – 9+
(2022, Scholastic, Autism, Fitting in, Friendship, School, Class trip, Karate, Confidence, Finding out who you are, Graphic Novel, Grandparent, Nana, Younger Siblings, Sleepovers, Bullies, Standing up for yourself, Mystery, Humour)