GOODBYE STRANGER is a novel that, while thoughtfully written, ultimately didn’t land with me in the way I hoped it would. I suspect this is largely because I’m not the target age group for the story, and that created a bit of distance between me and the narrative.

The book’s structure felt somewhat disjointed, with interspersed chapters featuring an unnamed (for a time) character written in second-person point of view. These segments didn’t feel connected to the core story and disrupted the flow rather than enhancing it. That narrative choice may resonate with some readers, but it didn’t quite work for me.

As for the characters, I found them a bit too whimsical for their age. Many of them seemed more like vessels for adult ideas and cultural commentary than authentic middle school students. For instance, a teacher called "The Burr Person" and the presence of a middle school human rights club felt more like a projection of adult sensibilities than a reflection of typical middle school experiences.

One element that particularly concerned me was the storyline involving a character who gets into serious trouble for sending an inappropriate photo. The situation is treated with a level of sympathy that, while well-intentioned, seemed to blur important boundaries. While I agree that no young person deserves to be shamed forever for a poor decision, I also think it’s crucial for books geared toward middle-grade readers to reinforce the importance of accountability—especially when the stakes involve real-world consequences. I wasn’t comfortable with the framing of the offending character as a victimized hero, especially when adults in the story, like the tech teacher, undermined school rules. It raised troubling questions about the messages we’re sending young readers regarding personal responsibility and digital safety.

Despite these concerns, I appreciated the nuanced friendships and some of the interpersonal dynamics throughout the novel. Stead clearly has a gift for capturing the emotional complexity of adolescence. Still, the overall tone and message of the book didn’t resonate with me, and I found it difficult to fully engage with the story.

Thank you to the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rebecca Stead is a master of middle-grade, in my opinion. I love the realness that she brings to the stories that she writes, and as we learn about first love and life in general in Goodbye Stranger, we see that realness displayed yet again.
The dialogue is also handled incredible well, making the characters feel even more alive.
The mystery that intertwines itself into the story is such a nice element, akin to the cherry on top of a delicious sundae.
I devoured this book whole in one sitting, and I can't wait for more by this author.

Fills that beautiful upper middle school space where we so desperately need more books. Smart, sensitive, compulsively readable, and beautifully written.

Rebecca Stead writes for young people very well...and does it in a way that helps older people understand the very real pressures of growing up today. This is also a tale of friendship - and I love strong female friendships. Recommend for young teens and up!

Really good MG/Children's novel but I wasn't blown away. I was entertained though!