<b>"Masterly. . . . Sensitively explores togetherness, aloneness, betrayal and love." - <i>The New York Times Book Review</i><br>Five Starred Reviews<br>NYT Editors' Choice</b><br><br>This brilliant novel by Newbery Medal winner Rebecca Stead explores multiple perspectives on the bonds and limits of friendship.<br> Bridge is an accident survivor who's wondering why she's still alive. Emily has new curves and an almost-boyfriend who wants a certain kind of picture. Tabitha sees through everybody's games - or so she tells the world. The three girls are best friends with one rule: No fighting. Can it get them through seventh grade? <br> This year everything is different for Sherm Russo as he gets to know Bridge Barsamian. What does it mean to fall for a girl - as a friend? <br> On Valentine's Day, an unnamed high school girl struggles with a betrayal. How long can she hide in plain sight?<br> Each memorable character navigates the challenges of love and change in this captivating novel. <br><br>Praise for <i>Goodbye Stranger</i><br>"This astonishingly profound novel is not your average middle-school friendship tale." - <i>The Horn Book</i>, Starred<br> <br>"Stead shows how strongly love of all kinds can smooth the juddering path toward adulthood. Winsome, bighearted, and altogether rewarding." - <i>Booklist</i>, Starred<br> <br>"[Stead] captures the stomach-churning moments of a misstep or an unplanned betrayal and reworks these events with grace, humor, and polish into possibilities for kindness and redemption. Superb." - <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>, Starred<br><br>"This memorable story about female friendships, silly bets, different kinds of love, and bad decisions is authentic in detail and emotion." - <i>Publishers Weekly</i>, Starred<br> <br>"Filled with humor [and] delightful coincidences. . . . An immensely satisfying addition for Stead's many fans." - <i>School Library Journal,</i> Starred<br> <br>"This eloquent story of friendship, first love, and identity will resonate powerfully with readers." - <i>VOYA</i>, Starred<br><br><br><i>From the Hardcover edition.</i>
