AN Orange for Frankie [Hardcover]

Patricia Polacco (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa!
This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco's heart. Frankie was her grandmother's youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–The author/illustrator has turned again to her family history for this story of a Christmas long ago in rural Michigan. The plot is predictable, revolving around Pa's late return from Lansing with the traditional nine oranges, one for each child; 10-year-old Frankie's generosity to a hobo; and the boy's subsequent loss of his orange. Polacco's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are well rendered as always and appropriate for this slight but wordy, nostalgic tale.–V. W.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 2. Autobiography melds with history in this poignant tale of a family tradition, set around Christmastime during the Great Depression. Polacco introduces the Stowell family, a brood of nine living on a farm just outside of Detroit. Though they don't have a lot, the family never hesitates to share its good fortune, often feeding hungry hoboes as they pass through the nearby train station. Frankie, the youngest son, even gives one of them his favorite sweater. When Frankie loses the precious Christmas orange given to each child, he tells his mother about his error and also fesses up about his missing sweater. His family is so moved by his charitable gesture, it^B rallies to make sure Frankie has the most special gift of all. Polacco illustrates the story in her trademark watercolor-and-pencil style, with key elements picked out in bright color against more muted backdrops. Like many of Polacco's picture books, this holiday story about gifts and giving is based on a chapter from her own family history. Terry Glover
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; First Edition edition (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039924302X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399243028
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 10.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for character building!, June 19, 2005

By 

Homeschoolin' Mama of 3 "Stacy" (Woodland, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AN Orange for Frankie (Hardcover)

My 4yo daughter and I made our first trek to the library together recently and the first book she pulled from the shelf was An Orange for Frankie. She asked me to read it to her right there in the library, and, as I did, I thought it might be a little over her head. Ten minutes later she was still sitting beside me, enraptured and asking me questions about the story... and what a beautifully touching story it was! As we neared the last page, I had tears streaming down my cheeks and we (of course) had to check the book out. I read it again to my mother and my husband. Both thought it was as touching as I did. Anyway, I decided to purchase it as a Christmas gift for my daughter to celebrate and remember our first trip to the library together.

An Orange for Frankie is a touching story of a young boy who learns about truthfulness, obedience and the gift of sharing. An absolute delight to read!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two boys' review: Christmas tale about family, charity and love, December 7, 2008

By 

Jared Castle (Roseburg, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: AN Orange for Frankie (Hardcover)

Based in Michigan in the early 1900s, the story begins with the Stowell family eagerly awaiting their father's return from Lansing, where he's picking up a box of Florida oranges, a family Christmas tradition. Ten-year old Frankie Stowell's Christmas excitement results in two major events, both centered in the spirit of giving.

I hesitate to share more plot details as it would spoil the story's magic. My two sons, ages 6 and 4, enjoyed my bedtime reading. They understood the story's messages of charity and family love and easily related to Frankie's curiosity. The Stowell family's Christmas tradition - adorning their mantle with evergreens and oranges - has also inspired our sons' holiday decorating plans.

In summary, this is a touching family story that I recommend you share with your children during the holidays. This Stowell family will remind you of the Ingalls family's classic stories in Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Orange for Frankie, December 11, 2007

By 

J. Bateman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AN Orange for Frankie (Hardcover)

Excellent book. Delightful story with excellent pictures. We thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to both adults and children. A great way to bring the true spirit of Christmas into your home during the Christmas season. Highly recommend.