The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman

The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman

Beloved author Karen Cushman follows a young woman's progress toward her true self, this time exploring the nature of friendship and the experience of growing up Catholic in an era that is both fascinating and relevant to today's young people.

Francine Green doesn't speak up much, and who can blame her? Her parents aren't interested in her opinions, the nuns at school punish girls who ask too many questions, and the House Committee on Un-American Activities is blacklisting people who express unpopular ideas. There's safety in silence. Francine would rather lose herself in a book, or in daydreams about her favorite Hollywood stars, than risk attracting attention or getting in trouble.

But when outspoken, passionate Sophie Bowman transfers into Francine's class at All Saints School for Girls, Francine finds herself thinking about things that never concerned her before--free speech, the atom bomb, the existence of God, the way people treat each other. Eventually, Francine discovers that she not only has something to say, she is absolutely determined to say it.

• Finding Your Voice: Quiet Francine has always preferred the safety of silence. But when her new friend is punished for asking questions, she must decide if some things are worth getting in trouble for.
• 1950s America: From Hollywood premieres to the fear of the atom bomb, this novel perfectly captures the hopes and anxieties of a nation on the brink of a new decade.
• Freedom of Speech: With the government blacklisting people for their ideas, Francine learns from her outspoken friend Sophie that speaking up is not just a right, but a responsibility.
• Catholic School Story: At All Saints School for Girls, the nuns have strict rules about asking questions. Francine and Sophie's friendship will test the limits of authority, faith, and what it means to be a good person.

Karen Cushman is the bestselling author of four popular historical novels, including a Newbery Honor book and a Newbery Medal book, all published by Clarion Books. Her website is www.karencushmanbooks.com, and she lives on Vashon Island in Washington State.