Original Fake

This action-packed story quickly gains momentum and depth as Frankie becomes involved in hijinks with unexpected new friends who share his commitment to art. Frankie is a sarcastic yet sensitive protagonist. Over the course of the novel, he develops in relatable ways while dealing with personal issues, including finding his place in a family of performers. Well-rounded characters defy stereotypes. Frankie's parents, for example, run a cleaning business, stay involved with their kids, and work as cross-dressing performers by night. Frankie candidly sums it up: "In my house, you can be a boy, a girl, neither, or both - all on the same day." Artistic stunts escalate throughout the novel, raising questions about street-art ethics. Frankie's sister, Lou, for instance, may have to answer to police about her "flash rob," a theatrical performance in which she and her friends held up a convenience store. Frequent comic-book-style illustrations in orange and black make for eye-catching spreads and dramatically convey key moments.

Frustrated with his theatrical family, Frankie agrees to help a street artist construct subversive exhibits. After Frankie's bratty sister and her friends commit an armed robbery, Frankie exposes them through public sculptures, framing his sister as the whistleblower. Frankie's belief in art's truth and power is compelling, but he often comes across as pretentious and mean-spirited. Comics-style panel illustrations complement the novel's pop-art sensibility.