Books Like Francie
Families who loved Francie by Karen English often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Francie by Karen English often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing the gap between what is fair and what is legal, or when they are struggling to understand how to help a friend in a difficult situation. Francie is a quiet but observant girl living in the Jim Crow South who spends her afternoons tutoring a teen boy named Jesse. When Jesse is falsely accused of a crime and must flee for his life, Francie faces a moral crossroads: she can follow the rules of a segregated society or risk everything to help a friend. This story is a powerful exploration of empathy and quiet bravery. While it deals with the harsh realities of systemic racism and the threat of violence, it focuses on the internal strength of a young girl trying to do the right thing. It is ideal for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) who are ready to engage with historical injustices through a personal, character-driven lens. Parents might choose this to provide a window into Black history and to spark conversations about what it means to be a truly loyal friend.
