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About the Book   Frindle

Frindle tells the story of Nick Allen, a creative and curious fifth-grader who loves to challenge the status quo. After learning about the origins of words during a rather mundane language arts lesson, Nick is inspired to invent a new word. He decides to call a pen a "frindle."

What starts as a small classroom experiment quickly spirals into a nationwide phenomenon. Nick's new word takes on a life of its own, garnering media attention and causing a stir in his small town. Along the way, Nick faces resistance from his strict language arts teacher, Mrs. Granger, who becomes an unexpected ally in his quest to redefine language. 

Themes in the book Frindle

Creativity and Innovation: One of the central themes in Frindle is the power of creativity and innovation. Nick's invention of the word "frindle" demonstrates how a simple idea can create ripples far beyond its initial context. This theme encourages students to think outside the box and realize that their creative thoughts can have a significant impact.

Authority and Rebellion: The dynamic between Nick and Mrs. Granger explores the concept of authority and the fine line between rebellion and respect. While Nick initially sees Mrs. Granger as an adversary, he later understands that her resistance was a part of his growth. This theme provides a valuable lesson in understanding different perspectives and the importance of respectful dissent.

Language and Meaning:  Frindle also dives into the evolving nature of language. The book illustrates that words are merely symbols agreed upon by society and that they can change over time. This theme is particularly relevant in today's fast-evolving linguistic landscape, shaped by technology and social media.

The Power of One: Nick's journey in Frindle shows that one person can make a difference. His story is a testament to the idea that even the smallest voices can enact significant change. This theme can inspire students to believe in their ability to influence the world around them.

Activity Ideas    for the book Frindle

Word Creation Activity: Engage your students' creativity by having them invent their own words. Ask them to think about what everyday objects or concepts could use a new term. They can create a dictionary entry for their word, complete with pronunciation, definition, and usage examples. This activity can culminate in a class dictionary of student-created words.

Discussion on Language Evolution: Host a classroom discussion on the evolution of language. Ask for examples of words that have different meanings, starting students off with a few examples of "slang" language that mean something different from the original word--like the word "cool" means "something to be admired, appreciated, or accepted" instead of "slightly cold." Another example would be the common use of the word "unbelievable" to mean "exceptionally wonderful" instead of "unable to be believed."

Character Analysis: Encourage your students to perform a character analysis of Nick and Mrs. Granger. What motivates them? How do they change throughout the story? This exercise can be done through essays, presentations, or creative projects like character diaries.

Media Literacy and the Power of Words: Discuss the role of media in Nick's story and how it influences public perception. This can lead to a broader conversation about media literacy and the power of words in shaping opinions. Students can analyze contemporary examples of media influence and draw parallels to the book.

Vocabulary Building: While Frindle introduces the concept of creating new words, it also provides an excellent opportunity to enhance students' existing vocabulary. Create a word wall featuring interesting words from the book and encourage students to incorporate them into their writing.