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.

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.

Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Heartwarming

- Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead explores themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges of growing up, and it has been praised for its authentic portrayal of middle school life.
- The book received critical acclaim and was a recipient of the 2016 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction.
- Rebecca Stead drew inspiration from her own experiences as a middle school student to create the engaging and relatable characters in Goodbye Stranger.

**Bridget "Bridge" Barsamian**  
A middle-school student navigating the complexities of friendships, family, and personal identity after a life-altering accident, often seen wearing cat ears for comfort.

**Emily "Em"**  
A friend in Bridge's trio whose maturing body brings both admiration and unwanted attention, impacting her social standing and self-image at school.

**Tabitha "Tab" Patel**  
An outspoken and socially conscious member of Bridge's friend group who is passionate about social justice and recycling, learning the impact of her impulsive actions.

**Sherman "Sherm" Russo**  
A quiet, introverted boy who becomes a close friend to Bridge, sharing his vulnerabilities as he struggles with family issues and middle school life.

**Celeste Patel**  
Tab's older sister, an unnamed narrator facing emotional turmoil and the challenges of adolescence, while offering guidance to Bridge.

Rebecca Stead

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore Goodbye Stranger and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Goodbye Stranger Summary and Study Guide

Background

Goodbye Stranger Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 19

Goodbye Stranger Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-36

Goodbye Stranger Part 2, Chapters 20-36 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 37-53

Goodbye Stranger Part 3, Chapters 37-53 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 54-69

Goodbye Stranger Part 4, Chapters 54-69 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapter 70-Epilogue

Goodbye Stranger Part 5, Chapter 70-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Goodbye Stranger Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Goodbye Stranger Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Goodbye Stranger Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Goodbye Stranger Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Goodbye Stranger Essay Topics

Goodbye Stranger

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Goodbye Stranger?

Reading Age

Book Details