A Bargain for Frances

A Bargain for Frances
Synopsis
Frances and Thelma are friends–most of the time. Thelma always seems to get Frances into trouble. When she tricks Frances into buying her tea set, it's the last straw. Can Frances show her that it's better to lose a bargain than lose a friend?
  • Virtue
    VIRTUE
    Is this the way I want my child to think and act?
    Ratings are based on how much a book extols Islamic morality and espouses classical ideals.
  • Language
    LANGUAGE
    Is this the way I want my child to speak?
    Ratings are based on a book's vocabulary, cadence, and overall eloquence suited to age level.
  • Story
    STORY
    Does this story resonate with my child?
    Ratings are based on the integrity of plot structure, the depth of characters, the palpability of the book's conflict and resolution, and the lure of its setting.
  • Beauty
    BEAUTY
    Does this book develop my child's ability to recognize beauty?
    Ratings are based on aesthetics, linguistic beauty, poignancy, and how well a book embodies ihsan—harmonizing excellence.
VIEW FLAGS
Mindful Muslim Review

A funny and gripping lesson in friendship for young girls who are just beginning to navigate relationships with their peers. Many recent books on bullying conclude with the bully left alone – friendless and humiliated. Frances teaches Thelma it’s better to be generous and caring in a relationship rather than selfish and careful. Even if someone hurts you, friendship is still possible – with a few witty songs and pranks along the way.

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Teaching Tools
  • Frances’ mom tells her to be careful when she’s playing with Thelma. Does she follow her mom’s advice? No.
  • Why does Frances play a trick on Thelma? Is it different from the trick Thelma played on Frances? Thelma tricked Frances for personal gain. Frances tricked Thelma to teach her a lesson about friendship. She did not retaliate.
  • Frances reminds Thelma “It’s better to be friends than to be careful”. What does she mean? Friends look out for each other over their own interests.
Ages:
Edition: Newly Illustrated Edition
Illustrator: Lillian Hoban
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Published: 1992
Page Count: 62
ISBN13: 9780064440011
*This review applies only to ISBN number noted above.

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