Frindle

The frindle hype calms in Westfield, though students continue using the word as commonly as any other English word. Throughout the country, however, a phenomenon occurs like the early-frindle Westfield days, with kids embracing the new word and adults attempting to stifle it. Frindle merchandise sales surge, and Westfield’s town welcome sign includes a new addition: “Home of the Original Frindle” (85).

Mrs. Granger stops holding students for detention, but she includes the word “pen” on her spelling tests each week, which every student writes incorrectly. The students eventually move on from the word’s novelty and Nick’s national spotlight.

Nick, however, never forgets what happened with his word: “He still had a lot of great ideas, but now they scared him a little” (88). For example, Nick imagines an idea in which the students could boycott the substandard lunch food by saving their families’ money and bringing their own lunches until the school’s food quality improves. However, he doesn’t want to get in trouble, feature in the town newspaper, or otherwise draw more attention to himself.

Everyone notices this change, including Mrs. Granger; he is quieter, and he doesn’t joke around with his friends much. On the last day of fifth grade, Nick visits Mrs.