An Orange for Frankie
on Goodreads (1,692)
What’s inside...
Patricia Polacco's most poignant Christmas tale! The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa! This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco's heart. Frankie was her grandmother's youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago.
Age
4-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Frankie Stowell
Mrs. Stowell
Mr. Stowell
Discussion points
How did Frankie's actions show his love for his family?
What does the orange symbolize in the story?
How do the characters in the book show kindness and generosity to each other?
What would you have done if you were in Frankie's situation?
How did the story make you feel about sharing and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book's themes of generosity and family love to encourage your child to express themselves.
Ask your child to think about a time they shared something important with someone else and relate it to Frankie’s experiences.
Highlight key moments in the book where characters show empathy and ask your child how they might act in similar situations.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, discussing the emotions and actions of the characters involved.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of family traditions and ask your child about their favorite family traditions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing and generosity
Explanation: In 'An Orange for Frankie', Frankie demonstrates generosity by giving away his treasured Christmas orange to a needy person who has less than he does.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their belongings or time with others who are less fortunate, fostering a sense of empathy and community.
Example Lesson: The value of family traditions
Explanation: The story revolves around the Stowell family's cherished Christmas tradition of placing oranges on the fireplace mantle. This tradition holds significant sentimental value to each family member, especially Frankie.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and participate in their own family traditions, understanding the importance of preserving special family rituals and memories.
Example Lesson: The consequences of impulsivity
Explanation: Frankie’s impulsive decision to give away his special orange leads to feelings of regret when he realizes he cannot participate in his family’s tradition in the same way. This teaches him a nuanced lesson about thinking through decisions.
Real-World Application: This can help children think more carefully about their actions and the potential long-term effects of decisions made on impulse.
Example Lesson: Empathy for others' feelings
Explanation: Through the story, readers see the world from Frankie's perspective, including his deep empathy for the less fortunate, which drives him to give his orange away.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them to build stronger relationships and a kinder community.