Goodbye Stranger

Rebecca Stead — 2015

This brilliant novel by Newbery Medal winner Rebecca Stead explores multiple perspectives on the bonds and limits of friendship. Bridge is an accident survivor who's wondering why she's still alive. Emily has new curves and an almost-boyfriend who wants a certain kind of picture. Tabitha sees through everybody's games—or so she tells the world. The three girls are best friends with one rule: No fighting. Can it get them through seventh grade? This year everything is different for Sherm Russo as he gets to know Bridge Barsamian. What does it mean to fall for a girl—as a friend? On Valentine's Day, an unnamed high school girl struggles with a betrayal. How long can she hide in plain sight? Each memorable character navigates the challenges of love and change in this captivating novel.

Reviews

Jackie Cunningham@jackie_c

Jul 5, 2024

Super cute story, important subject for teens today.

Sarah Sammis@pussreboots

Apr 4, 2024

http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2015...

Melissa Palmer@melissapalmer404

Nov 5, 2023

Book #75 Read in 2015 Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead (YA) This book shows that tweens and teens can have it rough. Bridge, Tab and Emily have been friends for years. As they go through middle school, they begin to have different interests (civil right, boys and finding a spot to fit in) but they remain loyal to each other. A parallel story of 9th graders involving Tab's older sister Celeste and her friends Vinny and Gina show that high school has its own set of issues. These characters figure out what friendship is and that it is ok to follow ones own path. Well written, I think middle and high school girls would really enjoy it. I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review. http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com

Jeannette Ordas@kickpleat

Jan 5, 2023

A good quick read. If you liked When You Reach Me, this hits all the right notes - a good group of friends, all with their own hang ups. It takes place in current day NYC so there's lots of running around apartments and the issues are all relatable.

br@kitcheniovers

Nov 29, 2022

Light, easy and an inspiring middle school, coming-of-age read.

br@kitcheniovers

Nov 29, 2022

Light, easy and an inspiring middle school, coming-of-age read.

Maria Luiza@peachesbonbon

Jan 12, 2022

There's something about Rebecca's book that is just surreal and takes you to another reality. I first read When You Reach Me when I was very little and it touched me a lot, and now so did Goodbye Stranger. The first thing I absolutely love about this book is that I know all the characters. She takes time showing them to us and you get to know all of them, so when it's the three girls talking just by what they're saying I know who they are. All characters have very distinct personalities and it's easy to discern them. I love that romance isn't the biggest plot of the book. I love that it tackles sensitive subjects for teenagers like having a nude picture leaked and losing a friend, and I think it does in a very natural way. I felt like if I was a teenager all over again. Definitely on my favorites list.