TwoCanDo BooksBook Club Discussion Points
Frenchie’s Best Friend
Have you ever wanted something so intensely as Ethan wanted a French Bulldog? Tell about what it was and how you made it happen; if you did.
Ethan’s character is starting to emerge in the first few chapters of the book. What words would you use to describe his character and why?
Ethan’s Grandma doesn’t fit the typical stereotype of a grandma. What makes her so unique?
Did you think Ethan’s idea for dog ownership was believable and doable? Why or why not?
Ethan and Grandma Sis’ scheme demonstrates some worthwhile attributes. What would you say these are?
There is a downside or two to the “plan” for doggie ownership. What do you think they are?
Ethan’s mom is a hard-working professional and a single mom. Do you believe she is a good parent? Why or why not?
Ethan decides to share his adventures with a Frenchie Lover’s blog group. Do you think blogging each night was a worthwhile past time for Ethan? Why?
Ethan appears to be somewhat of an academic underachiever at school. Why do you think this was? Do you know anyone like him?
Does being a strong student in school necessarily means that you will be happier and more successful in life? How do you know?
If you were a dog owner knowing what you know about Ethan and his techniques, would you let him groom your dog? Why or why not?
Which chaotic appointment was your favorite in the book? Explain your choice.
Throughout the story Ethan begins to self-actualize. This means that he starts to understand some of his strengths and weaknesses. How do you think he perceives himself? What evidence do you have?
The story has conflict around trust issues. Do you think Ethan was justified to set a subterfuge plan in motion to own a Frenchie without his mom knowing? Why or why not?
If you were Ethan’s mom, would you ever be able to trust your son or his grandmother ever again after the scheming they did? Explain your stance.
Do you think Ethan is right when he says his mom probably knew something was happening but she was just too overwhelmed to face it and deal with it? What evidence is there in the story that this might have been the case?
There are questions to be asked around the “safety” issues of blogging as a 13 year old. What was your opinion about the clippers gift that Ethan received from one of his blogging followers?
There was a twist at the end of the book. Did you see it coming or were you surprised by the outcome?
The author has written a sequel to Frenchie’s Best Friend- Follow the Blog. What do you anticipate the next book will be about?
Frenchie X2
How did you feel when you read the final chapter of Frenchie’s Best Friend?
Did you expect the novel to end that way? Why or why not?
Having one new puppy is probably enough responsibility for any family! What
issues do you anticipate surfacing with two Frenchie puppies (double-trouble)?
Ethan’s mom surprised him with his dream Frenchie. You’ve probably heard
horror stories of people sending back their puppies after the Christmas thrill
wears off and the reality of training the cute puppy sets in. Should Ethan
interpret his mom’s reluctance and low tolerance as a risk of this happening?
Why or why not?
Have you ever had a new puppy join your family? If yes, share some of your
funny stories of the crazy situations that you experienced with your new pet.
The Frenchie puppies are so different from one another! Which one appeals to
you most? Why?
Grandma Sis has a reputation as a conniving, quirky and eccentric grandma.
What do you anticipate she will be scheming and interfering with in
Frenchie X 2?
What changes have you noticed in Mel (Ethan’s mom) from the first novel?
Ethan isn’t the strongest academic student, yet he has “smarts”. This was obvious
in Frenchie’s Best Friend. Can he become successful at school using some of his
strengths? Explain.
Ethan recognizes his lack of trustworthiness. Does his self-knowledge perpetuate
improvement? If yes, how do you know? If not, what evidence do you have?
Have you ever done anything as deceitful as Ethan, like hiding your report card
from your family? If yes, what did you do and why? What were the
consequences for your actions?
Friends are so important to most adolescents. How successful do you think Ethan
was at managing his friendships with all of his additional puppy
responsibilities? How would you feel about a friend like Ethan?
There are trials in training a new puppy. Could you relate to Ethan’s experiences
at Puppy Obedience classes? How so?
Ethan’s mom is divorced and single. Ethan objected to his mother’s alleged
interest in dating. Do you think Ethan was justified in his feelings? Why or why
not?
Grandma Sis seems to want her ex daughter-in-law (Mel) to start dating. Do you think this is kind of weird? Why or why not?
Ethan takes on a leadership role for his school’s “Me to We” fundraiser. Were
you amazed by his enthusiasm and level of participation? Explain.
Is the concept of a community “Doggie Boutique Day” realistic for a school
fundraiser? Why or why not? Has your school been involved in any fundraisers
that made a difference in the lives of others less fortunate than ourselves?
How would you have reacted if you were Ethan’s parent and found his hidden
report card?
Ethan figured out that Mike has feelings for Jane. How do you think Ethan will
handle this knowing he has similar feelings where Jane is concerned?
There are moments of pride throughout the story. What were some of these
occasions? Can you relate to any of these special moments on a personal level?
The novel ends with Mr. Cooper’s suggestion that Sissy should attend special
training in possible prep for a canine movie role. Where do you think the next
book will take us?
After reading Frenchie X 2, what is your pick for the funniest episode that gave
you the biggest laugh?
After reading Frenchie X 2 and knowing what elements make a powerful blog,
which one of Ethan’s blogs was the most entertaining for you?
If you were rating this book as a recommendation for others to read, how many
stars would you give it out of five? (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest)
What group of readers do you think would enjoy Mary Laudien’s books the most?