Learning from the Streets

Jess is excited to start her new school and she soon makes friends.

But it’s not long before one friendship makes her feel uncomfortable.

Feeling trapped and alone, Jess isn’t happy.

Can she figure out a way to ask for the help she needs?

Funky Frecks, Jennifer Gilmour

Fully crowdfunded, Funky Frecks is a children’s book for KS2 children and it follows the same ethos as Jennifers debut novel, educating through a form of entertainment. The aim is that they will carry what they learn forward in not only friendships but into their future romantic relationships, equipping them with the ability to spot the signs / pink flags. 

The story follows Jess who is unique in her own right with beautiful white hair, different-coloured eyes and freckles. Jess has been to many different schools and we join her as she starts another new school and feels rather vulnerable. The school has a buddy-up system and a fellow classmate volunteers to help Jess in her first week, her name is Sam and is very welcoming on the offset. We see them getting on well and enjoying each other’s company but things don’t feel right when Sam gives Jess a nickname that she doesn’t like, Jess musters up the courage to tell her she doesn’t like to be called Frecks but Sam ignores it. As the story unfolds we see Sam become demanding over school activities at lunchtime, getting jealous of Jess making other friends and everything comes to a crescendo. 

Personally, I’m grateful that this is a conversation that is much more talked about than when I was in school, and this resource by my friend Jennifer will be vital to help children and young people recognise not only the behaviour of others but also to recognise their own value and worth in relationships.