The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Frankie, or Bunny as her mom calls her, has never been one that stands out. She's always been the one that follows the rules, does what she's told, and is a good girl. Over the summer, she "blossoms" into the hot girl with curves in all the right places. Suddenly, the most popular boy on campus at her upscale boarding school is taking notice.

Matthew is the boy of her dreams, and his group of friends are the friends of her dreams. Sophomore year couldn't be going better, until Matthew begins to put his friends before her, over and over. She starts to suspect that it's more than just "hanging with the guys".

One night, when he blows of a date, she follows him. Frankie witnesses a meeting of the Loyal Order of Basset Hounds. She happens to know a former member, her dad. Apparently, the Basset Hounds is a secret-male only-society, known for its pranks on campus. She overhears their plans for the annual Halloween prank, and immediately has an idea. Why should the boys get to have all the fun?

In her own way Frankie is rebelling against the hierarchy that, until this year, has always kept her in the shadows. She is tired of being left out, labeled, and lied to. She is searching for her place in a world that has already decided where she should fit in, and she is ready to create herself a new place. Lockhart avoids the dangers of falling into a boring 'school' or romance novel through her ingenuity and intelligence. It is truly a brains over brawl tale, and one you won't be able to put down.

"I, Frankie Landau-Banks, hereby confess that I was the sole mastermind behind the mal-doings of the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. I take full responsibility for the disruptions caused by the Order–including the Library Lady, the Doggies in the Window, the Night of a Thousand Dogs, the Canned Beet Rebellions, and the abduction of the Guppy," (Lockhart pg. 1, 2008).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:
Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

Lockhart, E. (2008). The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. Hyperion: New York.