Tree. Table. Book. Three simple words, or so they seem. In this lovely story, Ms Lowry brings to life both Sophie, the elementary school girl and Sophie her friend who is considerably older. I loved that young Sophie had older Sophie as her best friend. As a child, I had much older friends also. Now as an adult, I have friends of all ages, young and old. This book teaches the value of friends who are "different" in some way.

The characters came alive for me in the story to the point that I may have shed a few tears. But don't think that this means it has a sad ending. It doesn't have a sad ending. I just get emotional because I become one with the protagonist while I am reading. The ending is one that is inevitable, but it teaches us about life and acceptance of changes in our lives.

This is a book that I would have loved in middle school as much as I love it now. Ms. Lowry ranks with some of the finest writers of books for this age group. However, older readers will enjoy it also.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lois Lowry, and Harper Collins Children's Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.