Frannie in pieces by Delia Ephron

Harper Teen, 2009.
ISBN 9780060747183.
(Ages 12+) Recommended. Frannie is fifteen and angry about her artistic father's premature death. Her mother has remarried Mel and Frannie finds them both boring and distasteful. Everything about her father is important to her and when she finds a beautifully carved box with 'FRANCES ANNE 2000' on it she assumes it's for her birthday. As the mystery of the contents of the box gradually unravels, Frannie learns about life, a boy and her Mother and Mel. Cleverly constructed, the plot engages the reader who, with Frannie, is fascinated with the time changes and the assumptions that aren't necessarily what they appear. It's an engaging read as Frannie learns about love, friendship and her caring family.
Sue Nosworthy