61 pages • 2 hours read
Rebecca SteadA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
In Rebecca Stead's Goodbye Stranger, Bridge navigates seventh grade alongside friends Tab and Em, but their bond is tested as Em faces a scandal involving a revealing photo and Patrick, an older boy. Bridge, finding solace in a new friendship with Sherm, aids Em during the upheaval while yearning to understand her purpose post-accident. Simultaneously, Celeste skips school to reflect on her own friendship dilemmas and make amends.
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead is highly praised for its relatable characters and engaging, multifaceted plot. Critics commend its exploration of friendship and identity. However, some find its narrative structure slightly disjointed, affecting pacing. Overall, it is a compelling read for middle-grade audiences.
Readers who enjoy Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead are typically preteens to young teens who appreciate nuanced narratives about friendship, identity, and middle school challenges. Those who liked Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea will likely find this book equally engaging.
Lexile Level
560LRealistic Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Romance
Relationships: Friendship
Identity: Femininity
Life/Time: Coming of Age