Goodbye Stranger

by Rebecca Stead

Stead, R.  (2015). Goodbye stranger. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.

Rebecca Stead’s novel Goodbye Stranger is a book about the trials and tribulations of middle school.  A few years ago Bridge was hit by a car and spent a long time in the hospital recovering.  A nurse told her she must have survived for a reason and now she is trying to figure out if that is true and what that reason is.  Bridge’s best friend Em has a new friend Patrick whom she doesn’t really know, but begins corresponding with by sending photos of themselves back and forth.  At first it’s just innocent silly pictures of feet, elbows and such, however they soon become more risqué with him sending a picture in only his underwear and her sending one back in her bra.  When the picture of Em ends up circulating around the school, the girls’ other best friend Tabitha, who is a budding feminist and campaigner against social injustice, seeks revenge by sharing Patrick’s photo.  Amidst all of this drama, Bridge also makes a new friend, Sherm, a nice boy she meets after joining the Tech Crew who is dealing with the loss of his grandfather, not because of death but because he left his grandmother after 50 years of marriage.  As the story jumps around sharing bits and pieces of the characters’ personal struggles through interwoven narratives, middle school readers will not doubt notice reflections of themselves and their classmates.  Recommended for grades 6-9.  Other Stead novels students may enjoy are Newberry medal winner When You Reach Me and Guardian Prize winner Liar & Spy.