Author: Rebecca Stead
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Genre: Middle Grade
Source:  BEA

Goodreads: 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?
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?
On Valentine’s Day, an unnamed high school girl struggles with a betrayal. How long can she hide in plain sight?

Ope’s Opinion: This book started out a little scattered for me.  As Rebecca Stead was introducing all the characters in the book, it seemed to jump all over the place.  As I got to know each character it came together.

I do feel like Stead really knows how to get in the mind of a middle grade student.  I would recommend this one for parents to have their student read.  The language, subjects and situations were appropriate for this age group.

There are lessons to be learned from reading this book, but I do not feel like I was hit over the head or preached at.  This book could open a lot of discussions with middle grade students.