Goodbye Stranger

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A middle grade story about three girl friends who have vowed to stay friends and not fight despite the challenges and changes of a middle-school social scene that requires more mature decision-making and adult judgements. Their story is interwoven with the story of a girl who has played hooky and who is wrestling with an issue or conscience. The reader is not sure of the identity of this possible delinquent nor do we trust that her story will end well (it does). The book features strong female characters and positive depictions of friendship between girls. The story line involving sexting/sharing personal photos via text is relevant and could be educational to middle grade readers. It is not too graphic and hints at the photos sent between a boy and a girl. Any cautionary tale that tackles this topic without being too didactic is much needed today. A solid read.

Overall Book Score: very good