Frances Landau-Banks, aka Frankie, aka Bunny Rabbit (to her family), is going to be a sophomore at boarding school this year. It's the same boarding school that her older sister went to (they overlapped last year), and the same boarding school that their father went to when he was their age (and he hints at stories that pique Frankie's curiosity). She decides rather unexpectedly to make her mark at the school.

This has got to be one of the best-written books I've read, possibly ever. Even when the story didn't particularly interest me (I mean, boarding school? really?) or when I didn't especially care for the characters (I've never cared for "popular" kids, or for pranks either), I still wanted to keep reading it, just for the wonderful way the book was written. My sister recently lent me two other books by Lockhart and they are now at the top of my TBR pile. ( )

This story had the promise of being one of the best stories of the year. It wasn't exactly my favorite novel, but it was great read nonetheless. Frankie was a great protagonist. She was an intelligent girl with her own mind, whose ambitions are nothing sort of a mastermind's. I was expecting a novel in which a girl proves herself and is adored by the whole school and a non-jerk boyfriend. Despite myself, I was expecting a happy romantic ending, and was pleasantly surprised when I was proved wrong. Feminists will adore this book. ( )

Excellent book for Teen book club - lots to discuss with themes of power, feminism, etc. ( )

Frankie Landau-Banks is feisty and intelligent. This coming of age book takes a sharp look at peer pressure and the need to belong. Set in a Northern New England wealthy prep school, the previously independent Frankie finds the spot light when one of the richest and the most attractive, popular young man looks her way. Wanting to belong in the boys network, she sadly learns the barriers and perceptions of male vs. female roles.

There is nothing particularly in depth or special about this book, but, it was a quick, delightful read. ( )

Ages 12 and Up – After a summer of swan-like transformation, Frankie Landau-Banks enters her sophomore year at her elite boarding school, Alabaster Prep, a beauty. Although she had been introduced and occasionally allowed into the popular crowd by her older sister the year before, it is only now that handsome senior Matthew notices her. As a girlfriend, Frankie is quickly accepted into the circle of upperclassmen, but she soon finds that this is not enough. Matthew and his friends are members of the all-male secret society Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, an Alabaster tradition to which her father used to belong, and Frankie wants in. When Matthew won’t own up to having any secrets from her, Frankie follows and spies on him and his friends then, using a false online identity, orchestrates pranks for them to carry out.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is filled with clever wordplay, well-crafted pranks, and themes of feminism and subversion. While the writing and characters get a little pretentious at times, the novel is very engaging and was in 2009 voted a favorite by teens. Recommended for all teen collections. ( )