This new book by Aoife Dooley, Frankie’s World, is a graphic novel where Aoife takes us on a journey with Frankie, an 11-year-old girl who tries to fit into an often unaccepting world. The novel begins by introducing us to Frankie, her likes and her dislikes; then, for the remainder of the story, our eyes are drawn to Aoife’s illustrations and text filled with humour and honesty depicting the strengths and challenges of a girl who tries to be cool but often is rejected by her peers.
The story is delivered in ten chapters action packed with illustrations and not too much text. The images, text, and humour in which the story is presented make the novel attractive to a broad audience. This book delivers many important messages, including being bullied, making friends and the importance of good family support. After the novel ends, readers are left with some valuable insights, such as a definition of what autism is, some facts and myths about what autism is not, and it leaves us with a very positive message about what makes a good friend.
Aoife Dooley, an author-illustrator from Dublin, was diagnosed as autistic aged 27. The story presented in Frankie’s world gives us a glimpse into some of the obstacles Aoife had to overcome as she learned to navigate an often unfriendly world. The book is filled with humour and while it will make you consider many important life challenges, it will also make you smile.
