Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy
by Ruthy Ballard (Author)
Frankie Russo doesn't brood about the past or worry about the future. He lives in the present moment, frolicking in a world of make-believe that drives his high-achieving parents crazy. They have lofty ambitions for him, but Frankie has no interest. He prefers to flip helium burgers on Jupiter or rule a kingdom of mermen in the Caspian Sea, up inside his head, where all the fun is.
Frankie's parents nag him endlessly, worried he'll come to nothing. But all that changes when he disappears through a mysterious crack in his bedroom ceiling and finds himself on a distant, two-mooned planet called Urth. Why was he drawn there? He doesn't know, but as he embarks on a delightful, mind-blowing adventure, Frankie's desperate parents think he's been abducted, and an innocent man is arrested on DNA evidence and charged with the crime!
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-6--When a mysterious crack opens in the ceiling of Frankie Russo's room, curiosity gets the best of him and he has to investigate. Moments later, he's zapped thousands of light-years away to another planet called Urth, where he embarks on a great adventure. With the help of Ideth, his new alien uppie, or chaperone, Frankie travels across Urth, learns to make use of his special gift of Fantasy, and completes a quest to save a Krog Padder friend before finally returning to Earth. This offbeat adventure introduces some sci-fi elements such as aliens and space/time travel, but the narrative is still accessible for readers who struggle with the genre. Unfortunately there are several story lines that are not adequately explored, such as the other Frankie Russo who lives on the other side of Earth. Ballard also breaks the fourth wall at one point early in the story, but never utilizes this tactic again, which some young readers may find confusing. Frankie's ride on Ideth and his adventures with the Krog Padders are exciting, and fans of the genre will remain engaged. VERDICT Some story lines are not completely explored, but this light sci-fi adventure is an adequate introduction to the genre for young readers. An additional purchase for collections lacking in sci-fi titles.--Ellen Conlin, Naperville P.L., IL
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV044000 - Juvenile Fiction | Readers | Intermediate
