Franklin Delano Donuthead is very particular about his personal safety, health and sanitation. He prefers organic vegetables with antioxidants over the Twinkies his mother enjoys. He obsesses over the fact that there is a 1/2 inch difference of length in his two legs. And his ability to play baseball is hampered by his concerns over getting beaned in the head by the ball. When new girl Sarah Kervick shows up with matted hair and no hesitation in punching the school bully, Franklin's life is turned upside down. Franklin's mom takes an interest in Sarah who lives with her apparently abusive father in a rusty trailer park. Franklin isn't too happy about this since the possibilities for contamination are endless. But Sarah's blunt, up-front ways wear Franklin down just a little, especially when he realizes she has a soft spot for figure skating. Ever so slowly, Franklin inches a bit out of his self-imposed shell of protection and fear.

Summary:
This book portrays Franklin Delano Donuthead as a fearsome, Russian, fifth-grade germophobe. He doesn't have any friends until a new girl arrives at his school--Sarah Kervick. They are forced to be partners during a school field trip. She is nothing like Franklin. She is loud, dirty, and is not afraid of anything. This book shows us how a simple friendship, even between the most unlikely of friends can change each other’s life in ways that don’t seem possible.

Personal Reaction:
I loved this story. Although the traits of Franklin's are a tad more eccentric compared to mine, I found a bit of myself in his character. I was extremely shy as a child, and didn't make friends easily. I think that children could easily relate to the characters in this book, and would enjoy the humor that is brought out by this unlikely friendship.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. I could have the children write a journal entry about a fear they have or have had in the past, and how they can or did get passed that fear.
2. I could use this book to talk to the children about bullying and how having a sense of empathy for others can change someone's life.

A chapter book that takes the main character through daily experiences with coping with bullying and building relationships at school. ( )

Made me laugh right out loud, and cry,too. I swear Stauffacher wrote this with one of my former students in mind. Teaches that our quirkinesses are what make us great, that we should just be ourselves, and even gives a good dose of empathy for other's issues. A great read for kids or adults who work with pre-adolescents. ( )

The book’s title Donuthead is from the character’s name Franklin Delano Donuthead. Franklin is a elementary student who does not worry about what an average kid his age should worry about. He would be described being germ phobic and will not do ANYTHING that has a high statistic rate of getting physically injured including eating anything that is not organic. He doesn’t have any friends until one day he is paired up with a new girl on a school field trip. Sara Kervick is NOTHING like Franklin, she is not afraid of anything, she can beat up anyone that messes with her, and she is dirty. Through out the book Franklin discovers that Sara can’t read, doesn’t have a mother, and dreams of being an ice skater. Franklin’s mother takes in Sara and helps her with her appearance and ends up “working” for his mother so she can buy girl clothes. Franklin and Sara teach each other life lessons, and you wouldn’t think so in the begging since they were complete opposites. Does Franklin change his ways?

This was an awesome book. I LOVED the message, I loved the personalities, and I LOVED Franklin. I could go on about this book, it was humorous and entertaining. My favorite parts were Franklin’s two cents on every unhygienic or physical situation. I would recommend EVERYONE to read it, you will enjoy it! The ending was extra cute!

I would love students to read this book as a class assignment to relay the message of friendships. I would need parent consent because there are TWO little words that might be offensive. I would also have the students make a list of differences of the two friends, then make a comparison, because they are complete opposites but there’s more than meets the eye. ( )