Review Detail

Frankie & Friends: Breaking News is a good choice for an early chapter book for developing readers. Frankie’s mom has an important job as a news reporter and must leave town on assignment. Many kids can identify with the feelings of a parent leaving for work or going out of town for work so they can understand Frankie’s feelings.
You can tell the family is close-knit and caring. Frankie’s mother is a great role model and has taught her children the principles of journalism and reporting which we learn about through Frankie’s imaginary play. Frankie is surprised to discover her older sister misses their mamma enough to cry. This allows Frankie to use the principles of journalism she has been taught to interview her sister and support her feelings.
Some of the story feels a bit long to create a chapter-length book for early readers. Overall, this story does a nice job of introducing and defining the basics of journalism. It also shows a positive image of a working mother and a supportive family that respects what she does enough to be like her making it a good choice for young readers.