hillaryvillagers

The Boy Next Door

Laura Dower

Taryn and Jeff have been best friends since their diaper-wearing days. Now that they are in the sixth grade, Taryn notices a change in Jeff. Sometimes he ridicules her when other students are near. She, in turn, gives him the cold shoulder. Meanwhile, Jeff makes the soccer team and Taryn becomes a team leader for the school carnival. On the day of the carnival, Taryn is relieved when Jeff and his soccer buddies help her out of a jam. The next day, Taryn joins Jeff on his porch. As they head inside to play video games, Taryn trips and lands on Jeff. Jeff helps Taryn up, and the butterflies that she suddenly feels only subside when she reminds herself that they are just friends. Middle readers will find this adorable story fun to read. The chapters alternate between Taryn’s and Jeff’s point of view. Dower’s story demonstrates how best friends are able to resolve their problems. Besides friendship, Dower addresses crushes, annoying siblings, peer pressure, and self-confidence. This title is a good choice for preadolescent girls and boys, even if their best friend does not live next door.

BIBLIO: 2007, Candy Apple Books/Scholastic Inc, Ages 9 to 12, $4.99.

REVIEWER: Mary Jo Edwards

FORMAT: Middle Reader

ISBN: 978-0-439-89057-8

ISBN: 0-439-89057-8

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