Extraordinary - by Miriam Spitzer Franklin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A beautiful story about friendship and learning to be strong when things get hard.

Last spring, Pansy chickened out right before going to spring break camp, even though she'd promised her best friend, Anna, they'd go together. It was just like when they went to get their hair cut for Locks of Love, and only one of them walked out with a new hairstyle.

But Pansy never got the chance to make it up to Anna. At camp, Anna contracted meningitis and a dangerously high fever, and she hasn't been the same since. Now all Pansy wants is her daring best friend back--not the silent girl in the wheelchair who has to go to a special school.

When Pansy discovers that Anna is getting a surgery that might cure her, she realizes this could be her chance--she'll become the friend Anna always deserved--even if it means taking risks and trying new things (like those scary roller skates).

Pansy's chasing extraordinary, hoping she reaches it in time for her friend's triumphant return. But what lies at the end of her journey might not be exactly what she had expected--or wanted.

Review Quotes

"A gentle story. . . . Most readers will understand long before Pansy does that she is setting herself up for disappointment, but they will also recognize that Pansy's dedication to her friend is plenty extraordinary in itself." --Publishers Weekly

"North Carolina author Franklin firmly grasps the climate and struggles among kids today. Her crystal-clear writing is filled with rich detail and believable characters. The sensitive story will resonate with young girls wrestling with friendship pains." --The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"[An] effective debut. . . . the ending, in which Pansy accepts the reality of Anna's situation, is suitably affecting." --Booklist

"Though Pansy, Anna, and Andy are in fifth grade, the themes are universal, and this could easily appeal to young teens as well as the middle grade set. . . . A fine addition to upper elementary and middle school collections where weighty realistic fiction is in demand." --School Library Journal

"Extraordinary is a delightful tale of loyalty, friendship, and hope." --Karen Harrington, author of Courage for Beginners and Sure Signs of Crazy

"An inspiring, beautifully told story of friendship, hope, and the power of positive thinking, even in the face of deep disappointment." --Dianna Dorisi Winget, author of A Million Ways Home

About the Author

Miriam Spitzer Franklin has been sharing her love for reading and writing with students for years as an elementary and middle school teacher. She currently teaches language arts to middle school students. Miriam lives with her husband, two daughters, and two pampered cats in Charlotte, North Carolina.