Summary
Frindle is a beloved middle-grade novel by Andrew Clements. Published in 1996, it tells the story of a creative fifth-grader who invents a new word, sparking a linguistic revolution that spreads far beyond his school. Praised for its exploration of language, creativity, and the power of ideas, Frindle was named one of the Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children by the US National Education Association and ranked 38th among all-time children's novels in a School Library Journal survey.
Plot
Nick Allen, a fifth-grader known for his clever schemes, faces a challenge when he encounters the strict Mrs. Granger in English class. In an attempt to distract her, Nick asks about the origin of words, leading to an unexpected assignment. This experience sparks an idea in Nick's mind when he finds a gold pen on the street—he decides to call it a “frindle” instead of a pen.
The new word quickly catches on among Nick's classmates, spreading throughout the school despite Mrs. Granger's attempts to squash its use. As students face detention for saying “frindle,” the word gains even more popularity. The school principal tries to intervene, but the situation has already spiraled beyond Nick's control.
Soon, “frindle” becomes a nationwide phenomenon, attracting media attention and merchandising opportunities. Nick reflects on the far-reaching consequences of his simple idea as the word continues to spread across the country. With its monumental success, he realizes that he no longer has any power to stop the word's usage or impact.
Years later, as a young adult, Nick receives a letter from Mrs. Granger along with a new dictionary that includes the word “frindle.” She reveals that she intentionally opposed the word to increase its popularity. In response, Nick sends her the original “frindle” that started it all, engraved with a message allowing her to call it whatever she chooses.
Themes
Power of words and language
Creativity and innovation
Challenging authority and tradition
Unintended consequences of actions
Importance of perseverance
Teacher-student relationships
Spread of ideas and social change
Setting
Set in the late 1980s, Frindle unfolds in a typical American suburb. The story primarily takes place within the confines of Lincoln Elementary School, where fifth-grader Nick Allen's linguistic revolution begins.
The broader setting encompasses the entire town, as Nick's invented word “frindle” spreads beyond the school walls. The community becomes involved in the phenomenon, with local businesses and media picking up on the trend, reflecting the interconnected nature of small-town life.
As the novel progresses, the setting expands to a national scale. The word “frindle” gains attention across the country, demonstrating how a small-town innovation can have far-reaching effects in the era just before the internet became ubiquitous.
Characters
Nicholas “Nick” Allen: The protagonist, a creative and mischievous fifth-grader known for his clever ideas. He invents the word “frindle” as an alternative name for a pen, sparking a nationwide phenomenon. Nick's ingenuity drives the plot forward as he navigates the unexpected consequences of his linguistic creation.
Mrs. Lorelei Granger: Nick's strict but ultimately supportive fifth-grade English teacher. Initially opposed to the use of “frindle,” Mrs. Granger becomes an unwitting ally in spreading the word. Her tough exterior masks a deep passion for language and education. Mrs. Granger's complex relationship with Nick forms a central part of the story's development.
Bud Lawrence: A local businessman who recognizes the commercial potential of “frindle.” He purchases the merchandising rights to the word, leading to its wider spread and Nick's unexpected financial gain.
Mrs. Allen: Nick's mother, who supports her son through the “frindle” controversy. She provides a nurturing home environment and helps Nick navigate the challenges that arise from his newfound fame.
Mr. Allen: Nick's father, who is initially skeptical of the “frindle” situation but ultimately proud of his son's creativity. He offers guidance and perspective as Nick deals with the consequences of his actions.
Principal Chatham: The school principal who becomes involved in the “frindle” situation. She attempts to mediate between Nick, Mrs. Granger, and the broader school community as the word gains popularity.
Janet Fisk: Nick's friend and classmate who supports his “frindle” campaign. She helps spread the use of the new word among their peers.
Ted Bell: Another of Nick's friends who joins in using and promoting “frindle.” He represents the student body's enthusiasm for Nick's linguistic innovation.
Quick facts
Frindle was Andrew Clements's first novel for middle-grade readers, following his success writing picture books.
The story was inspired by Clements's thought, “What would happen if a kid started using a new word, and other kids really liked it, but his teacher didn't?"
The novel is set in 1987, though it was published in 1996.
In 2016, Frindle received the Phoenix Award from the Children's Literature Association, recognizing books that remained popular after 20 years in print.
Brian Selznick, who later won the Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, illustrated the cover and interior art.
The word “frindle” was added to some dictionaries in real life after the book's popularity.
Frindle has been translated into over 15 languages worldwide.
The book was ranked 38th in School Library Journal's list of all-time best children's novels in 2012.
A film adaptation was announced in 2015 with Susan Sarandon attached to play Mrs. Granger, but has not yet materialized.
A sequel titled The Frindle Files was published posthumously in 2024.
About the Author
Andrew Clements (1949-2019) was an acclaimed American children's author best known for his 1996 debut novel, Frindle. Committed to creating stories that resonate with not only young readers but also their parents and teachers, his novels explore themes of creativity, individuality, and standing up for one's beliefs.
Born in New Jersey, Clements developed a love of reading from his parents at a young age. He spent summers at a cabin in Maine, where the quiet environment helped foster his imagination and writing skills. After earning degrees in English Literature and Elementary Education, he worked as a teacher. The success of Frindle allowed him to become a full-time writer. Over his career, he wrote more than 80 books for children and young teens, winning multiple honors including the Christopher Award and the Edgar Allan Poe Award.
Known for his dedication to the craft, Clements wrote in a small shed on his property in Massachusetts, reminiscent of the Maine cabin from his youth. He emphasized the importance of perseverance in writing, encouraging aspiring authors to take it “one word at a time.” Clements passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of beloved children's literature that continues to inspire young readers.
