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Coco and Charlie Franks #2
Charlie Franks is A-OK
Unlike her drama-queen twin sister, Charlie Franks is always fine. At least she is until she has to start a new school, finds out she can't ride her new horse, and gets told that her Mum has something totally weird wrong with her.
Charlie's not A-OK. Not at all.
And she can't see how things are ever going to get better.
Charlie Franks is A-OK is the sequel to Love and Muddy Puddles, the first book in the Coco and Charlie Franks series, and the fourth novel by Australian author, Cecily Anne Paterson. Her first teen novel, Invisible, also set in Australia, was a semi finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2014.
Charlie's not A-OK. Not at all.
And she can't see how things are ever going to get better.
Charlie Franks is A-OK is the sequel to Love and Muddy Puddles, the first book in the Coco and Charlie Franks series, and the fourth novel by Australian author, Cecily Anne Paterson. Her first teen novel, Invisible, also set in Australia, was a semi finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2014.
280 pages, ebook
Published May 12, 2016
163 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Cecily Anne Paterson
23 books126 followersCecily Anne Paterson is the author of eight novels for young teen girls, as well as an award-winning memoir for adults.
Her first novel Invisible, was a semifinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards in 2014, and 'Charlie Franks is A-OK' won the CALEB Award in 2017.
Cecily writes 'brave-hearted fiction', hitting some serious issues, but in an age-appropriate, clean, and helpful way, and always with a hopeful ending.
Cecily grew up in Pakistan, where she went to boarding school in the Himalayan mountains, and now lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, four children and a cuddly dog.
Her first novel Invisible, was a semifinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards in 2014, and 'Charlie Franks is A-OK' won the CALEB Award in 2017.
Cecily writes 'brave-hearted fiction', hitting some serious issues, but in an age-appropriate, clean, and helpful way, and always with a hopeful ending.
Cecily grew up in Pakistan, where she went to boarding school in the Himalayan mountains, and now lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, four children and a cuddly dog.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 7, 2016
I stumbled on the first book in this series and enjoyed it so I was delighted when the author approached me to offer a review copy of the sequel. This book tells the story of the other sister, the twin I'd seen as almost perfect and coping well with the tree change. It carries on from the first book, but could be read as a stand alone.
I discovered that Charlie is A-OK, but is far from perfect. She is like any young teenage girl trying to find her place in the world. I found her more relatable than her sister, more like I was at her age (minus the horses).
This book is perfect for those who like realistic middle grade/ya fiction and/or horses.
I discovered that Charlie is A-OK, but is far from perfect. She is like any young teenage girl trying to find her place in the world. I found her more relatable than her sister, more like I was at her age (minus the horses).
This book is perfect for those who like realistic middle grade/ya fiction and/or horses.
May 13, 2016
Thank you to the author who exchanged this book for an honest review!
I must admit, I wasn't sure if I would like this as much as the first, being from the other twin's perspective and all. But I was pleasantly surprised. Charlie Frank is the opposite of her sister Coco. At first she doesn't mind being the tomboy. But then as she starts school, she realises how different she is from all the other girls. Along with this, her mum drops a surprise announcement, which Charlie isn't sure she likes.
A must read for all teenaged girls, thank you Cecily!
I must admit, I wasn't sure if I would like this as much as the first, being from the other twin's perspective and all. But I was pleasantly surprised. Charlie Frank is the opposite of her sister Coco. At first she doesn't mind being the tomboy. But then as she starts school, she realises how different she is from all the other girls. Along with this, her mum drops a surprise announcement, which Charlie isn't sure she likes.
A must read for all teenaged girls, thank you Cecily!
August 4, 2020
Charlie's not like Coco
So, when everything seems to be going wrong, she's determined not to be a drama queen. But keeping all her frustrations inside turns out to be a less than perfect plan.
I like how Charlie insists on being herself, and love how she comes to evaluate what's most important to her. I kind of wish, though, that at some point she'd let somebody close to her know how she was really feeling. At the end of this book, it seems like Charlie is just as likely to keep unpopular opinions to herself as she was at the beginning, and that feels a bit isolating and confining--as if she's only allowing herself to feel things she's supposed to feel .
Restraint can be both wise and kind, but repression?
This story raises some interesting questions--a kind of Sense and Sensibility for a modern era.
I'm just not sure Charlie's central problem (which I saw as her unwillingness to be open with the people around her, even those who clearly loved her) is as resolved as she thinks it is.
So, when everything seems to be going wrong, she's determined not to be a drama queen. But keeping all her frustrations inside turns out to be a less than perfect plan.
I like how Charlie insists on being herself, and love how she comes to evaluate what's most important to her. I kind of wish, though, that at some point she'd let somebody close to her know how she was really feeling. At the end of this book, it seems like Charlie is just as likely to keep unpopular opinions to herself as she was at the beginning, and that feels a bit isolating and confining--as if she's only allowing herself to feel things she's supposed to feel .
Restraint can be both wise and kind, but repression?
This story raises some interesting questions--a kind of Sense and Sensibility for a modern era.
I'm just not sure Charlie's central problem (which I saw as her unwillingness to be open with the people around her, even those who clearly loved her) is as resolved as she thinks it is.
January 1, 2021
I liked this book much better than the previous one in the series—and, until the moment that Charlie flips over an unknown boy she only sees from a distance, felt really connected to the story. That's the moment at which A-OK Charlie falls down and subsequently loses her confidence, ambition and sensible shrug-it-off attitude. It's a struggle for her to regain them.
Charlie's reaction to her mother's pregnancy is counterpointed by her thoughts about Fozzles, the pregnant mare she loves—and which she now can't ride to victory in a show-jumping competition. She's keen to take on the local champion Baylor but she has to ride her twin sister's notoriously 'one-person' horse Cupcake.
Charlie's reaction to her mother's pregnancy is counterpointed by her thoughts about Fozzles, the pregnant mare she loves—and which she now can't ride to victory in a show-jumping competition. She's keen to take on the local champion Baylor but she has to ride her twin sister's notoriously 'one-person' horse Cupcake.
June 26, 2018
Cute and endearing
This was a wonderful follow-up to Coco's story where we get to follow Charlie more in depth and see what how she reacts to major changes in her life. I loved watching her grow throughout the story and being able to hear her voice. There are definitely lessons about friendships and family and what it means to achieve your dreams. Overall I really want to see more from these awesome twins!
This was a wonderful follow-up to Coco's story where we get to follow Charlie more in depth and see what how she reacts to major changes in her life. I loved watching her grow throughout the story and being able to hear her voice. There are definitely lessons about friendships and family and what it means to achieve your dreams. Overall I really want to see more from these awesome twins!
October 3, 2020
Charlie's going to have to be brave, unlike her drama-queen twin sister, Charlie Franks is always fine.
I grew up with horses, so this book brought back memories. Add babies to the mix and a great story emerges. This will be a book I'll long remember. Great characters. Interesting plot.
Rated: G Clean and inspiring. Sensitive tackling real issues and feelings.
I grew up with horses, so this book brought back memories. Add babies to the mix and a great story emerges. This will be a book I'll long remember. Great characters. Interesting plot.
Rated: G Clean and inspiring. Sensitive tackling real issues and feelings.
August 1, 2018
I started this book not having read the first book and I didn't know how I would like it. I don't know much about horses but this book was written in a way that I could understand as well as learn more about them and I'm glad I read it.
August 5, 2018
Cute
This is a very cute YA book. The characters are well written. I would read more books by this author.
This is a very cute YA book. The characters are well written. I would read more books by this author.
June 18, 2016
Charlie Franks is A-OK picks up right where its prequel, Love and Muddy Puddles, leaves off. Like on the exact same day! I was happy about this because it just helps the story feel more natural and a part of the series. Yet Charlie stands on her own as a character and CFIAOK stands on its own as a novel. You could read it without having read L&MP, but they complement each other, too.
So, as a character, I love Charlie. (Probably more than Coco.) She’s like a real person – super relatable. Apart from the horses, living on a farm, and going to school aspects, she thinks and acts a lot like my thirteen-year-old self did. (I think.) She’s flawed – what with all the overthinking, keeping worries to herself, being selfish – and admirable for always wanting to believe the best about people.
The plot was easy to follow. All the normal elements were involved – family and friend drama – with a dose of horsiness and competition. I don’t hate that it was a simple plot, but I do wish there could have been just more of something. However, there were a couple of twists whose resolutions I was excited to find out. I rolled my eyes a little at the hint of a romantic subplot. It was sweet, but, for me, it didn’t add anything. I kept hoping and looking for more of Charlie’s friend and next-property-neighbour, Tessa. I thought they were pretty close and have a lot of the same interests, so I expected her to have a bigger role. The rest of the characters – particularly Baylor and Mum – were well developed and played their roles wonderfully.
Also, the way the title figures into the plot and that it’s actually a thing in the novel – YES! I smiled finding that out.
Like Cecily Anne Paterson’s previous novels (I’ve read two of them so far), Charlie Franks is A-OK is clean, enjoyable, and meaningful. It’s unapologetically Australian which I (as an Aussie) always love. I would recommend this novel for tween and younger teen girls. And I have to wonder, IS this where we leave Charlie & Coco Franks, or will there be a third one? (Please and thank you if there will be.)
Huge thanks to the author who provided me a free copy of Charlie Franks is A-OK in exchange for my honest review.
So, as a character, I love Charlie. (Probably more than Coco.) She’s like a real person – super relatable. Apart from the horses, living on a farm, and going to school aspects, she thinks and acts a lot like my thirteen-year-old self did. (I think.) She’s flawed – what with all the overthinking, keeping worries to herself, being selfish – and admirable for always wanting to believe the best about people.
The plot was easy to follow. All the normal elements were involved – family and friend drama – with a dose of horsiness and competition. I don’t hate that it was a simple plot, but I do wish there could have been just more of something. However, there were a couple of twists whose resolutions I was excited to find out. I rolled my eyes a little at the hint of a romantic subplot. It was sweet, but, for me, it didn’t add anything. I kept hoping and looking for more of Charlie’s friend and next-property-neighbour, Tessa. I thought they were pretty close and have a lot of the same interests, so I expected her to have a bigger role. The rest of the characters – particularly Baylor and Mum – were well developed and played their roles wonderfully.
Also, the way the title figures into the plot and that it’s actually a thing in the novel – YES! I smiled finding that out.
Like Cecily Anne Paterson’s previous novels (I’ve read two of them so far), Charlie Franks is A-OK is clean, enjoyable, and meaningful. It’s unapologetically Australian which I (as an Aussie) always love. I would recommend this novel for tween and younger teen girls. And I have to wonder, IS this where we leave Charlie & Coco Franks, or will there be a third one? (Please and thank you if there will be.)
Huge thanks to the author who provided me a free copy of Charlie Franks is A-OK in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2016
I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
When I received this book, the first book in the series was free on Amazon so I decided to read that one first. To be honest, I liked this book but I liked the first one better. For some reason, I couldn't really relate to Charlie as a character. I'm not interested in horses so I thought it was a little heavy on the horse references. Charlie was a little one-sided to me.
After moving from life in the city to a farm in the middle of nowhere, Charlie thought her life was great. She owned her own horse and got to ride her every day. She made some good friends. Things were going well for her. But when she started school, things started to go downhill. She didn't fit in well with the girls at school and one girl, Baylor, was a total snot and not even their shared love of horses could bring them together. On top of that, Charlie's horse got pregnant and she couldn't ride her in her show jumping competitions. And her mom was sick with morning sickness so she couldn't watch her competitions. And her unwanted rivalry with Baylor maked everything worse.
Things went south for Charlie until an unexpected event happened and only she could save the day. This event caused a change of heart and a new perspective for Charlie. After that, things started to get better.
What I liked about this book was that it was an easy read. I didn't have to put much thought into it. It was the perfect book to read while up in the middle of the night feeding my baby. I recommend it to tween girls- especially those who love horses.
When I received this book, the first book in the series was free on Amazon so I decided to read that one first. To be honest, I liked this book but I liked the first one better. For some reason, I couldn't really relate to Charlie as a character. I'm not interested in horses so I thought it was a little heavy on the horse references. Charlie was a little one-sided to me.
After moving from life in the city to a farm in the middle of nowhere, Charlie thought her life was great. She owned her own horse and got to ride her every day. She made some good friends. Things were going well for her. But when she started school, things started to go downhill. She didn't fit in well with the girls at school and one girl, Baylor, was a total snot and not even their shared love of horses could bring them together. On top of that, Charlie's horse got pregnant and she couldn't ride her in her show jumping competitions. And her mom was sick with morning sickness so she couldn't watch her competitions. And her unwanted rivalry with Baylor maked everything worse.
Things went south for Charlie until an unexpected event happened and only she could save the day. This event caused a change of heart and a new perspective for Charlie. After that, things started to get better.
What I liked about this book was that it was an easy read. I didn't have to put much thought into it. It was the perfect book to read while up in the middle of the night feeding my baby. I recommend it to tween girls- especially those who love horses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2016
When my daughter finished this book in a day, I thought, “It must be worth a read!”. It was. The author made me feel like I was a teenager again! Although, I was never as cool as Charlie Franks. She is one authentic, gutsy and heartfelt girl. I loved the character development and Charlie’s gradual realisation that relationships are far more important than achievements. This book started a wonderful conversation with my daughter about the harder, more emotional parts of the plot and we were able to share our own emotional responses. What a great book to read and share with others! I enjoyed reading the pdf version in exchange for review, but I think we will need a real copy for our bookshelf! #yanovel #cecilyannepaterson #charliefranks #newbooks
May 31, 2016
I received an ARC of this book for a fair/honest review and I was delighted with it. This is the type of book I loved when I was a teen/preteen.
The protagonist of the novel is Charlie Franks and she is going through quite a lot of changes! A new move, school, she suddenly can't ride her horse and surprise, her Mom is going to have a new sibling! Add that to the mind of a young adolescent girl and with all these changes, it's understandable that she would have some difficulties. I won't spoil the book, however pass this one around to the young adolescent girls. It's cute, funny, and has a lot of truth in it.
The protagonist of the novel is Charlie Franks and she is going through quite a lot of changes! A new move, school, she suddenly can't ride her horse and surprise, her Mom is going to have a new sibling! Add that to the mind of a young adolescent girl and with all these changes, it's understandable that she would have some difficulties. I won't spoil the book, however pass this one around to the young adolescent girls. It's cute, funny, and has a lot of truth in it.
May 3, 2016
Cecily always give us a live lesson with her stories. I think that all teenagers MUST read your books. It 's probably the most difficult time in our lifes and normally we have to walk alone this path, but you show us how to take the best in our hearts and brains, how to handle difficults situations and be happy, and enjoy life. It's very hepful for adults too because you show us how teenagers thinks, so different from theirs parents that they actually don't get along very well, so we can be there for them when they need us the most....please go on wrinting about life...THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN
April 25, 2016
For the target age group, I feel like this is a very fun story. The trials that Charlie goes through seem like ones a young girl can relate to. I thought it was an easy read. Fun and cute. I feel like my daughter would really enjoy it. I loved the excitement that was very easy to feel during the storm. I was a little disappointed that Charlie didn't get to talk to Jake more. Maybe that will be in a later book. Overall, I feel like it was a very cute book and one that I could see myself getting for my daughter to enjoy.
April 30, 2016
This book had a good plot line and character development. The way that the book followed the characters throughout their journey gave a good grasp of the emotional mind set for most of the characters.
I enjoyed reading about Charlie, Her times of happiness,excitement & sadness. I liked seeing the characters in different situations & finding out how they dealt with them. I really liked reading about how Charlie felt when she was riding her horse Fozzles.
I personally think it was an enjoyable read & was very pleased to receive a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed reading about Charlie, Her times of happiness,excitement & sadness. I liked seeing the characters in different situations & finding out how they dealt with them. I really liked reading about how Charlie felt when she was riding her horse Fozzles.
I personally think it was an enjoyable read & was very pleased to receive a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.
May 2, 2016
Having just read about Co-Co's journey in Love and Muddy Puddles, I was keen to take a ride with Charlie Franks when I was given a copy to review. Charlie's character appealed to me in many ways. She was practical and down to earth yet could still be thrown by the things that were happening around her. I loved seeing her tackle confusion and life change with determination and courage. Cecily Paterson writes with an emotional intelligence that draws you into Charlie's world, engaging your heart and soul. A compelling read from start to finish.
May 10, 2016
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see if there will be more following after. I was given a copy to read through and review it by the author and it was amazing. Personally I prefer the first book though that is usually the case. The only thing wrong was that it was a bit difficult to understand what was going on with the bully at Charlie's school. Apart from that I loved it.
June 9, 2016
This was a great story that dipped into everything I like in a book. Horses, challenges, fears and a dash of romance. This is one of those stories that makes you think, "Hey, this could actually happen!" There was an awesome use of language techniques as well, for all those English teachers out there! I highly recommend this book for girls aged 9 and up.
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May 12, 2016Great read. Cecily's stories always appeal to the teenage age group. Read all 4 of her novels and I'm pretty impressed. Keep a look out for new books from this talented author.
May 13, 2016
Absolutely amazing, loved it! My twin sister and I could not put the book down. We loved the unexpected twists throughout the story. Just FANTASTIC!
November 2, 2021
It was 'ok'.
May 3, 2016
Amazing Book ,So much fun to read .I Couldn't put it down !!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews