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karen_hallam's review against another edition
5.0
I'm just smiling. Loved so much in his book. I have that after book glow. And that epilogue! The characters are dealing with some pretty serious issues. One, that reflected something my son did just today.
I always leave Rebecca Stead's books with the feeling I've been hugged.
I always leave Rebecca Stead's books with the feeling I've been hugged.
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
5.0
When You Reach Me is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it countless times both on my own and with students. Goodbye Stranger definitely lives up to that legacy in a way that Liar and Spy never quite seemed comfortable with. It's written for a slightly older audience verging on young adult rather than middle grade, but it's absolutely worth the read. Rebecca Stead is an absolute master of character voice.
christiana's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so tender and still had Stead's hallmark enigmatic touches. I haven't really read any books that take on the subjects taken on in this one, and love that Stead doesn't shy away. That being said, I consider this solidly a teen book. Middle school is worse than meatloaf lovers might have a kindred book spirit in this one. :)
Unrelated: Sherm forever.
Unrelated: Sherm forever.
ladytiara's review against another edition
4.0
Goodbye Stranger is the story of three best friends entering seventh grade and an unnamed high school freshman dealing with a betrayal. Bridge, Emily, and Tabitha have been friends for many years, and they long ago made a pact that they would never fight, something they’re finding hard to keep to now that they’re in the seventh grade. The girls are growing apart a bit, not because they don’t still care about each other deeply, but because seventh grade is a time of change. They’re all involved in different activities, and they’re making new friends outside their little group.
Seventh grade is an interesting time for kids. You’re not quite a teenager, but you’re starting to leave childhood behind. Stead does an excellent job of showing how these kids are being pulled in different directions. This books deals with a lot of issues kids face: girls developing early, sexting, peer-pressure, frenemies, slut-shaming, and bullying. I liked how the author handled these issues. For example, one character sends an inappropriate photo to a boy at his urging. Yes, it’s a dumb thing to go, but the initial response of the school and the other kids is awful and completely ridiculous. Stead makes it clear this sort of slut-shaming is just plain wrong, and that’s a powerful message for kids. (And, boy, am I ever glad I came of age in a time before smartphones.)
This would be a great book to read along with your kid (although it’s probably not good for reading to your kids, since the target age group is a bit past the being read to stage). The recommended age is 10 and up, but depending on a child’s maturity level, 12 and up may be more appropriate. This book provides a lot of opportunities to discuss big issues with kids, particularly bullying and peer-pressure. The author does a great job of being even-handed. In one scene, a character points out that a mean girl’s awful behavior may be motivated by jealousy. It doesn’t mitigate her behavior, but it helps another character to understand the situation a little better. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
Seventh grade is an interesting time for kids. You’re not quite a teenager, but you’re starting to leave childhood behind. Stead does an excellent job of showing how these kids are being pulled in different directions. This books deals with a lot of issues kids face: girls developing early, sexting, peer-pressure, frenemies, slut-shaming, and bullying. I liked how the author handled these issues. For example, one character sends an inappropriate photo to a boy at his urging. Yes, it’s a dumb thing to go, but the initial response of the school and the other kids is awful and completely ridiculous. Stead makes it clear this sort of slut-shaming is just plain wrong, and that’s a powerful message for kids. (And, boy, am I ever glad I came of age in a time before smartphones.)
This would be a great book to read along with your kid (although it’s probably not good for reading to your kids, since the target age group is a bit past the being read to stage). The recommended age is 10 and up, but depending on a child’s maturity level, 12 and up may be more appropriate. This book provides a lot of opportunities to discuss big issues with kids, particularly bullying and peer-pressure. The author does a great job of being even-handed. In one scene, a character points out that a mean girl’s awful behavior may be motivated by jealousy. It doesn’t mitigate her behavior, but it helps another character to understand the situation a little better. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
4saradouglas's review against another edition
5.0
Oh man, I really loved this book. I loved it so much and yet I don't even know what to say about it. Stead covers a lot of different topics here, and the characters were so real and the book seemed so... current, I guess. There's so much to learn from this book; so much to think about regarding love and friendship and the meaning of life. I need to figure out who to give this to and just continuously pass it on.
janewhitehurst's review against another edition
4.0
Rebecca Stead has written another awesome book. While it's no When You Reach Me, Goodbye Stranger is a great read. The book tells the story of Bridge, Em, and Tab, 3 best friends, as they navigate middle school and experience the changing of relationship dynamics as they age and become interested in boys. The story touched on some teen talking points (sexting and bullying) but managed to not be preachy or dull. It was a nice story that I see both parents and kids really enjoying.
the_jesus_fandom's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun, but I seriously didn't remember most of it after a few weeks because it's a lot like other middle school books. Doesn't mean it isn't good, of course.
msorto's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
megantheeflamingo's review against another edition
2.0
...I don't know what this book was supposed to be about. A girl with cat ears?
hayleybeale's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous book about adolescent transitions, full of wonderfully realized characters and the drama that goes on everyday in middle and high school. See my full review here.