The journey from childhood to young adulthood is never an easy path, even for those blessed with loving families and friends to help them navigate the perils of transit. When steadfast friends Bridge, Em and Tab leave the relative safety of primary school the challenges of year 7 and high school they encounter a world where the rules of engagement are often unknown. Not onlyhas the ‘geography’ changed but their bodies are transforming, each at a different rate, forcing them to discover both the difficulty and importance of being true to oneself.

Rebecca Stead is a multi-award winning author with a profound appreciation for the young people she writes for, so when she explores the bonds (and limits) of female friendships – especially where boys are involved – she creates the kind of situations that would shatter a vulnerable thirteen-year-old girl but somehow manages to do so with a deft, light touch full of empathy and humour.

Rebecca Stead’s wonderful books, Liar and Spy, When You Reach Me and First Light are loved by many and Goodbye Stranger will be no exception! I loved it and so will you!

Highly recommended for ages 11 and over.

Athina Clarke