I honestly believe
that some of the best books are written for middle school students and if you
know someone that age, be sure that he or she knows about Goodbye
Stranger by Rebecca Stead. In
that brand new title, the Newbery Medal winning author explores themes of friendship
and loyalty, sexting, and “fitting in” as each of her characters develops a sense of identity.
Emily is a talented soccer player beginning to discover boys
and the manipulation of a popular crowd; Tab has a passion for social justice;
and Bridge has survived a serious accident and wonders about her purpose in
life. These girls have been friends since 4th grade, promising no
fights, but are finding difficulties in understanding each other as seventh
grade approaches and some inevitable shifts in interest occur. Patrick, David, and Sherm are their male
classmates who also deal with making tough choices, resulting suspensions, and divorce.
Plus
there are several high school students, especially older siblings Celeste and
Jamie, who try to offer support while coping with their own friendship issues. Goodbye Stranger is a great
choice to share with middle school students as summer winds down and school (with all of its accompanying drama) is
about to start.
Goodbye Stranger received numerous starred
reviews and I think that even some of our freshmen would enjoy reading and
reflecting upon its messages. Other titles by Rebecca Stead include: When
You Reach Me; Liar & Spy; and First Light. Stead’s Goodbye
Stranger is both gentle and suspenseful in places, yet very honest and
realistic with multiple points of view. Similar authors that students may have
already discovered include Lynne Rae Perkins (Criss Cross) and or Jordan
Sonnenblick (Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie) or Wendy Mass (A
Mango-Shaped Space).
And, if you have not already seen it, be sure to look for
the article “The Great Gift of Reading Aloud” by Meghan Cox Gurdon who stresses the value of
reading with older children. Newbery Medal titles (rough target 3rd through 8th grade) are perfect choices
to share as gifts or as read alouds – adults will enjoy them, too!
