Customer Reviews

AN Orange for Frankie

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This beautiful story moves me to tears each time I read it, and this year I am giving several copies as gifts. It is set in the 30s or 40s in rural Michigan. The Stowell family is preparing for Christmas. They don't have much money, but remember to share what they have with others, feeding hobos who stop in their village while the train is refueling. Frankie gives a prized possession to one of them who is in need. Later his family's kindness is repaid in a wonderful way. I don't want to give that part away, or tell what happens on Christmas Eve, but it involves the family's tradition of placing a juicy, ripe orange for each child (very hard to come by in those days in a wintery climate) on the mantle and enjoying them during their Christmas Eve party. Read the book to find out what happens; you'll be glad you did. The artwork is lovely and expressive, and the icing on the cake is knowing that this is a true story. The author's Grandmother and Great-Aunts and Uncles were the Stowell children of this story.

This is a beautiful story about giving, sharing, and loving. It's a tear-jerker too. Patricia Polacco is an amazing author who has shared stories from her family which can now enrich the lives of all who read. I highly recommend this book.

This book was heartwarming and a different Christmas story. I'm from Michigan so I loved the idea that it was set in Lansing. Plus, I miss the snow since I live in Charleston, SC. It's a story about sharing and family. I bought one for each of my siblings and their family for Christmas. We also started the orange on the mantle tradition this year.

Shelley

As always, Patricia Polacco scored another "A" with this heartwarming story. My second grade students sit mesmerized as I read yet another moving story from Patricia Polacco's rich collection of life stories.

Love this book! It is a Christmas favorite! Arrived in great condition without delay. Thank you! I would purchase this again.

everyone one to whom i've given "orange for frankie" has cried on first read. hardened fourth grade teachers, strong men, deranged psychopaths, girl scout leaders... every single person mists up, snuffles, and, finally, cries. tears of sadness, tears of joy, if you were to ask, they would not be able to say, because they are crying.

buy this book for everyone whom you love. for your mother or father, if either should perhaps not be alive for too much longer, buy two.

l,m

Just got through reading this book. I love Patricia Polacco's books and illustrations. What a tender sweet story of family, love, sharing and joy. Delightful and yes at the end mixed with sadness. Highly recommend!