Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor is perhaps the most powerful literary feat in Read to Them’s catalog. By stepping into this world, you’ll meet the big-hearted Aurora and her best friend, Frenchie. This inseparable pair are about to start a new school year – just to find themselves in separate classes. Naturally, the duo struggle to adjust. Then, in the midst of a rough first week, Frenchie doesn’t make it to class after drop-off. A frantic search to find Frenchie begins, and soon enough, the whole town is asking the title question, “Anybody here seen Frenchie?” This masterclass of story-telling balances heart and humor while reminding readers of the value in slowing down and paying attention rather than racing ahead. Once you step into this little town in Maine, you’ll see how one boy made an incredible impact on friends, neighbors, and strangers, alike, all without uttering a single word.
We recently had the opportunity to correspond with Leslie Connor about Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? Keep reading to see how she stitched together this unforgettable patchwork of characters, what her plotting process was like, and how she crafted each character’s voice to ring out so distinctly.
–
Tell me about your journey as a writer: how did you start – and where are you headed?
Well, my journey began with art school where I studied illustration. I had picture book texts in mind when I took an adult education course in writing for children post college. It turned out my emotional heart was in middle grade.
Growing up, what was your relationship with reading like?
Although I loved books as objects and was drawn to both story and art, I was a slow reader (dyslexic) with poor comprehension. I was a big re-reader, probably because it felt so good to know what was coming next and to roll with familiar rhythms.
Each of the characters in Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?, no matter how minor, holds a valuable piece of the larger puzzle. How did you know what clues or details to include for each character?
Throughout the writing of the novel, I kept asking myself: How do we lose people? How do they stay lost? Who has seen something and doesn’t know it was important? I remember having a sense of putting on blinders, so to speak, for each point of view, and asking myself, what do I want them to know? What do I want them to miss? Their individual talents, interests and knowledge bases came along naturally. That was fun.
In that same vein, how did you go about navigating such a complex plot?
Calendar always seems closely tied to plot and keeps me organized since I am a non-linear thinker. For this story, the “calendar” may have been the hours on the clock–real time–with an underlayment of Aurora and Frenchie’s backstory. I released the backstory to the reader based on what was happening in Aurora’s real time. I got lost more than once, believe me! That was poignant given the plot.
It is so impressive that each point of view character has their own voice, and that their personalities shine through so distinctly. What advice to emerging writers do you have about finding their character’s voice?
Thank you! My advice is use your ear! Think about the cadence of your own “thinking voice” and speaking voice. Now how about the voices of people you spend time with? Have you ever noticed that some people get loud when they are joyful while others silently tear up? Who asks questions when they feel confused? Who skips talking but communicates by making faces?
Is there a character in Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? whose story you wish you could explore further? If so, who?
Hmm. That does happen to me often, and I always imagine more about the characters than what makes it onto the page. (I hope the reader does too.) I got to explore several points of view for this story and that might be why I felt at peace when the cast of characters seemed to shake hands with me and let me go.
If you could open a window into Aurora and Frenchie’s lives right now, what would they be doing?
Whoa. This is bittersweet. I imagine them trying out for the high school track team together. I think the families would remain close. But I see Aurora naturally expanding her social circle in a way that Frenchie may not. That’s something I thought about a lot when I was working on the story, the way learned strategies take hold for some individuals more than for others. I think Frenchie could still surprise the world with his capabilities.
The friendship between Frenchie and Aurora is so incredibly rich and authentic. How did you go about building these layers? Did you take inspiration from any of your real-life friendships?
Thank you. More than once I’ve watched a friendship do that magical thing where each person becomes a more complete version of themselves because of the other. I’m deeply curious about it. Layers is a good word for how that happens. I’m personally grateful for the times I felt it in my own life.
You live in quite a cozy spot in Connecticut. In what ways did you draw on this setting for Aurora and Frenchie’s town?
Yes, the three of us are all set in New England! I spend a lot of time in the woods here in Connecticut. It was important to establish a sense of place for Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? As I hiked trails in Maine learning Frenchie and Aurora’s territory, I was making comparisons to home: The flora and fauna (a piebald deer!), the shape of the land, and what might trip a character up.
How has reading aloud made an impact on your life? Do you have any stories of reading aloud to your own children?
I’m so lucky that I was read to as a child! It was the center of the bedtime ritual for our children as well. Reading aloud levels the playing field; story becomes accessible to pre-readers and non-readers. That introduction to the sound of the written word is a beautiful thing to carry forward. Reading aloud has also enhanced my work; I often say I write with my ear.
What would you like students, families and schools to take away from their time with Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
Always, I want to entertain first—just carry the reader along as I have so often been carried into stories by other writers. I hope the characters feel alive—like friends. That’s where compassion comes from, and that’s never a bad take-away.
Do you have any advice for kids like Aurora who may be struggling with big life changes?
Do as much listening and observing as you can bear! Seek to understand and you will find that you, too, are understood. I promise.
–
We cannot thank Leslie enough for her time and her words. If you have questions for Leslie – or if you just want to say “hi”- you can submit them via the contact form on her website.
