A quiet story about a memorable kid on the edge of becoming more self-aware. Frances Pauley calls herself Figgrotten though nobody else does (it reminded me of [b:George|24612624|George|Alex Gino|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1423358952s/24612624.jpg|44165520] because the close third person narration describes the main character as she sees herself, not necessarily as the world sees her).

Figgrotten is beautifully (enviably) un-self-conscious when the story begins. She wears the same thing every day and just wants to be outside all the time observing nature. Her favorite person is the very old man who drives her school bus.

As the story unfolds Figgrotten/Frances changes significantly and believably into a kid who takes an interest in her appearance and children her own age. Her relationship with her older sister evolves from hostile to understanding.

There's a death in this story that made me tear up, but I don't think this is a book about dealing with grieving a lost loved one as much as it's a story about how young hearts and minds change in the tumultuous tween years.

This also kind of randomly make me think of [b:Jeremy Draws a Monster|6399392|Jeremy Draws a Monster (Jeremy and the Monster)|Peter McCarty|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1316636531s/6399392.jpg|6588089] because it's also about a creative but lonely kid who finds his way to friends by the end of the book. ( )

Frances Pauley was not a typical eleven year old. She was more interested in nature and being outside than she was clothes, makeup and boys like the other girls. This fact drove a wedge between her and her older sister. Until one day, when they experience a tragedy that brings them back together.
The Heart and Mind of Fances Pauley is recommended for readers grades 4-6. The relatable and well formed characters are easy for children in this age group to identify with. The story touches on the serious topics of bullying, death and family dynamics in a child like manner. ( )

Excellent book for young YA (4th grade and up), dealing with serious issues: individuality, death, the natural world, and forgiveness. Ideal for a sensitive and caring child, or one who isn't - this might help them to achieve empathy. Not preachy or boring, just well thought out. ( )

Eleven-year-old Frances Pauley (“Figgrotten” is the nickname she’s given herself) loves nature and science but not necessarily other people. This debut work is a solid middle-grade novel about her journey from loner to someone who accepts, and even appreciates, the differences among people. My only quibble is that some of her acceptance comes a little too quickly and so feels a little preachy. There are some realistic dark waters, but they’re dealt with gently and with curiosity and optimism.

(Review based on an advance reading copy provided by the publisher.) ( )