Publisher Description

This gem of a novel takes place in Pittsburgh in 1952. Franny Katzenback, while recovering from polio, reads and falls in love with the brand-new book Charlotte's Web. Bored and lonely and yearning for a Charlotte of her own, Franny starts up a correspondence with an eloquent flea named Fleabrain who lives on her dog's tail. While Franny struggles with physical therapy and feeling left out of her formerly active neighborhood life, Fleabrain is there to take her on adventures based on his extensive reading. It's a touching, funny story set in the recent past, told with Rocklin's signature wit and thoughtfulness.AwardsBank Street Children's Books "Best Books of the Year," Fiction Ages 9-12Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Older ReadersPraise for Fleabrain Loves Franny"Heartwarming and endlessly funny, Fleabrain Loves Franny will delight readers of all ages. Rocklin's sharp wit and exuberant writing style are refreshing. This book is not to be missed."--VOYA"Franny—a compassionate, thoughtful and sympathetic protagonist—is believably erratic in her emotions and reflections on her illness and its effects on her previously carefree life."--Publishers Weekly"Rocklin perfectly captures the era of 1952 and creates a sympathetic, realistic character in Franny, who begins to accept her condition, rejoin her friends and even protest her school's inaccessibility."--Kirkus Reviews"Comedic and philosophical, readers will find multiple levels to enjoy."--School Library Journal

Author Biography

Joanne Rocklin is the author of One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, which won the California Book Award, and The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook, which won the Golden Kite Award and was named to Florida's Sunshine State Young Readers Award master list. She lives in Oakland, California.

Review

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
"Strong characterization will make this story a favorite, and the smart, funny writing will attract readers."--Teri Hennessy, Library Information Specialist, Wilmette (Illinois) Junior High School"Library Media Connection" (03/01/2014)

Details