Goodbye Stranger vs. Hired Help

Goodbye Stranger

For a first time reading anything by Rebecca Stead, we really enjoyed this novel! We thought that for the most part the characters were accessible and authentic and the pacing was appropriate to keep adults and young readers interested. I enjoyed how Stead approached some pretty difficult topics with a light touch and kept it PG for our younger readers. The issues of depression, picture messaging are current and relevant to students today  There is an element of mystery, but it gets wrapped up in a solid conclusion that leaves the readers satisfied.  I still have a few questions, but from what I hear that’s common with her work.

Hired Help

For the historical fiction fans in our group, this was a tough battle.  The novel was really well crafted and engaging to read. The struggles were authentic and easy to empathize with.  . I think that a mature Div 2 student could easily be hooked by the story and see it through to the end. This could be an extension text for grade 5 and 7 with the suffragette movement.  It may appeal to more females than males.  In the end, Goodbye Stranger won out for the greater accessibility of readers who are looking for something new to read, and could be read by both boys and girls.