Frankie’s life began in an Irish pub in Montreal’s French east end. As she listened to her dad’s band jam to the beats of life, the most unfortunate of coincidences happened that changed her life forever.
Being a girl in the 80s isn’t easy. Frankie soon comes to see it as an impromptu jam session filled with unexpected beats. The beats she experiences in high school are filled with laughter, tears, love, anger and hope. Dealing with bullies becomes a daily nightmare. Sex, drugs and rock and roll become a big part of her struggles and healing process.
Frankie learns that the key to survival is friendship, determination and figuring out how to become an author in the song that is her life.
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: The turbulence, tragedy, and angst of adolescence are deftly explored in this rawly funny, wholly unique coming-of-age novel set in the 1980s. Chaos, comedy, despair, and delirious joy collide and overlap, resulting in a rich and moving reading experience.
Prose/Style: The author clearly grasps the nuances of teen psychology as reflected through the authentic voices and natural dialogue. Frankie’s exuberant, often precocious voice immediately captivates. Readers will be left feeling that no other character could have told this story.
Originality: It’s a tremendous credit to the author that, while the essential storyline about misguided adolescence is a familiar one, the novel nevertheless emerges as inspired and fully distinctive among others of the genre.
Character Development: The author captures the essence of the 1980s through song and other cultural references, yet the novel carries an admirable quality of timelessness, largely due to the fully lovable, outlandish, and shining cast of characters.
Date Submitted: August 16, 2019
"Sky-Bound Misfit provides a candid well voiced account of growing up in Montreal in the 1980s. Frankie lives through her teenage years of discovery, fascination and the brutality of high school bullying and stigma. Jane Powell has written a page-turning account of the trials and tribulations of adolescence that touches on experiences each one of us can all associate with. A funny, tragic, witty and enjoyable read!" - Chris
"A beautifully written book about a teenager’s survival and resilience. Although Sky-Bound Misfit does not fall within my usual genre of novels, it was highly recommended to me by a friend. It starts with a young girl, Frankie, witnessing the death of her father as the result of a misguided prank. As her mother is preoccupied with discovering herself in the far reaches of the world, Frankie is adopted by her uncle, who lives on an idyllic island close to Montreal. As she makes new friends, she gradually recovers from the loss of her father and flourishes at her new school. However, the innocence of early adolescence is soon shattered by another traumatic experience that changes her life forever and makes her the target of the local school bullies. Sky-Bound Misfit is an overpowering story of recovery, survival and resilience and is a compelling read. It is very well crafted and draws you into Frankie’s world and her journey through life. I would highly recommend this beautifully-written book." - S.J.
"I loved this book! Couldn't put it down. The characters were great; the story moved well; the issues addressed are deep and thought-provoking, yet presented in a non-overwhelming way. Frankie will win your heart with her fragility, honesty, resilience, and delightful sense of mischief. A highly recommended read." - Leta
"Loved Sky-bound Misfit! Frankie crossed the border of time for me. So incredible, the experiences we have as teens, the troubles and the confusion albeit the growth is tremendous; often challenging but rewarding as well. The use of music to contextualize the time and choice of bands were highly symbolic of Frankie's emotional state. Took me back to Pink Floyd, Dark side of the Moon, And Carol King, Rhymes and Reasons....helped me through my moments! A wonderful read. This book should be approved for high school students." - Brenda
"I was up until 3:30 this morning riveted by Jane's manuscript! I could not put it down. I absolutely loved it. She's a fantastic writer! I was blown away. I loved the characters, imagery, setting, plot, the whole shebang. Her descriptions were just mesmerizing. I fell in love with Frankie.” - Janet
I was pleased to be interviewed by The Golden Star prior to my official book launch in December. Click the link to read the article!
Have you checked out Jane's website and blog yet? Read all about her novel, articles, workshops, and other exciting bits on www.janepowell.org
"I Was Raped In The 1980s And This Is Why I Never Reported It" - by J. Powell
"Creative Writing Helped Me Work Through My Depression" - by Jane Powell
Back home after a fantastic book tour in Montreal & Laval, and what a wonderful journey it has been! I spoke with high school students in 6 classes, 2 of which were at the high school where the book is set. To the schools, book stores and libraries across Montreal & Laval that are now helping me get my book out into the world: a huge thank you for your support! Sky-Bound Misfit is now available at Paragraph Books, Argo Bookshop, Librairie Clio, several libraries, and will hopefully be on the shelves at Chapters/Indigo soon (currently available through their online system: chapters.indigo.ca).
Sky-bound Misfit is available for purchase on Amazon, Indigo/Chapters, Book Depository, and through other online distributors. Be sure to check out www.janepowell.org for details about Jane Powell and her work.
