Breaking News (Frankie and Friends #1)

by Christine Platt (Author) Alea Marley (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

In a charming new chapter-book series by a social-change advocate, young Frankie emulates her journalist mama by reporting on household news with the help of her sister and an unlikely news crew.

Frankie's mama is leaving to cover a breaking news story. Frankie, Papa, and Frankie's teenage sister, Raven, are all proud of Mama, even though they miss her when she's away. But Frankie has a great idea: she can make her own news show! After all, Mama has told her that news is happening around her all the time. With a little assistance from her friends--including her doll Farrah, Robert the toy robot, and her tabby cat, Nina Simone--Frankie prepares for her first "broadcast." And when she hears someone crying in the house, she knows that's the developing story she must cover. With humor, empathy, and imagination, Frankie gets the scoop--and learns that even mature older sisters can miss Mama sometimes.

With sweet illustrations throughout, this engaging new series embraces communication and compassion and is a refreshing portrayal of Black women in journalism. Young reporters will learn the terms of the trade, which are clearly presented in the text and reinforced in a glossary at the end of the book.

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Kirkus

A charming read for budding newshounds.

Review quotes

"Vibrant and witty, this new series installment balances an age-appropriate exploration of the ins and outs of journalism—the importance of asking questions, how to develop a story—with a fun and gentle story. This is the perfect introduction to journalism for cub reporters. . . . A charming read for budding newshounds." —Kirkus Reviews
Christine Platt
Christine Platt is an author and advocate who believes storytelling is a tool for social change. She holds a BA in Africana studies, an MA in African American studies, and a JD in general law. Currently serving as communications director for the award-winning Clara Lionel Foundation, founded in 2012 by Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty, Christine Platt is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the Women's Council on Energy & the Environment, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the Association of Black Women Historians, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She also serves as an ambassador for the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Although her only daughter is now in college, Christine Platt continues to draw on their adventures together as an inspiration for her stories. She has written more than thirty books for young readers and currently resides in Washington, DC.

Alea Marley is an award-winning illustrator of many books for children, including Phoebe Dupree Is Coming to Tea! by Linda Ashman. She loves creating whimsical scenes that are filled with patterns, texture, and bursts of color. Alea Marley lives in northern England.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781536237948
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Walker Books
Publication date
March 26, 2024
Series
Frankie and Friends
BISAC categories
JUV040000 - Juvenile Fiction | Toys, Dolls & Puppets
JUV014000 - Juvenile Fiction | Girls & Women
JUV006000 - Juvenile Fiction | Business, Careers, Occupations
Library of Congress categories
Families
Family life
Journalists
African American girls

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