ANNOTATION

Twelve-year-old best friends Elizabeth and Tara-Starr continue their friendship through letter-writing after Tara-Starr's family moves to another state.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

If opposites really do attract, this explains why Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are best friends. Not only are their personalities different, but their family backgrounds are a lesson in socio-economic diversity. When Tara*Starr's family moves to another town, the letters that she and Elizabeth write regularly become even more important. Their correspondence chronicles the joys, hopes, fears, and sometimes pain, of two girls coming of age.

SYNOPSIS

Adolescents Tara*Starr and Elizabeth have very different personalities, but they're united by a powerful friendship. When Tara*Starr moves to a new community, she and Elizabeth continue their friendship by mail. In this complex and emotionally rich novel, their story is told in alternating voices via their correspondences -- with their engaging letters documenting the changes in their lives and the tests their friendship undergoes.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

If Danziger and Martin had been childhood pen pals, their correspondence might have read much like this strikingly insightful epistolary novel. Each known for a finely tuned ear to her audience, the venerable authors here do a splendid job of creating a story based on the letters exchanged between 12-year-old best friends, one of whom has just moved to another state. The authors' distinctive voices give the collaboration a rare spontaneity and realism. Impulsive, outgoing Tara*Starr streaks her hair purple, can't resist a pun, pens an irreverent column for her school paper and fancies creme-filled, frosted doughnuts with sprinkles. The whole-wheat variety is the doughnut of choice for quiet, thoughtful Elizabeth, who enjoys cross-stitching, launches a poetry journal at school and isn't quite ready to pierce her ears. Tara's life, which had been chaotic prior to her move, hits some unanticipated twists: her mother and father (who had Tara at 17) begin acting like parents for the first time (taking steady jobs, setting rules around the house) and her mother becomes pregnant. Elizabeth, meanwhile, whose life was quite predictable and steady, faces cataclysmic change when her spendthrift father loses his job, struggles with alcohol and abandons his wife and daughters. Her crises spawn some moving passages, including her response to Tara's ironic complaints that her life is "a shambles" because snow postponed the school play; "It better turn around soon," writes Elizabeth, "Your life is the only good one I have." Readers will also readily identify with Tara's confessions of inadequacy about how to console Elizabeth (e.g., "Zounds! Zounds! Zounds!/ A million times Zounds!/ I don't know what to say. Your news is soooooooo awful!"). Even when the girls argue and the time between letters grows, readers can appreciate what goes into the erosion and rebuilding of friendship. Given Danziger's and Martin's penchant for continuing story lines, readers can only hope that this will be an ongoing correspondence. Ages 10-13. (Apr.)

Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo

They say opposites attract, and that was the case with Tara*Starr and her best friend, Elizabeth. When Tara*Starr moves to a new community, they continue their friendship by letter. There are more changes than either anticipates. Not only is Tara*Starr adjusting to the usual changes of a move, but her parents are also beginning to show maturity and responsibility for the first time since she can remember. What's more, after being an only child for twelve years, Tara*Starr is going to have a sibling. Elizabeth's life changes, too, when her father loses his high-paying job and the family must come to terms with the ensuing difficulties. Two of the most popular children's book writers have collaborated on this series of believable letters. They allowed the story line to evolve as they sent the letters to one another. Danziger writes as Tara*Starr, while Martin is Elizabeth. There are many interesting discussion points in this novel: relationships with friends and family, coping with change, handling misunderstandings, and recognizing the individuality of each personality.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

Two popular authors team to write a delightful story of best friends who must continue their friendship via letters when one friend, Tara*Starr, moves away. Danziger is the flamboyant Tara*Starr while Martin is the more stable Elizabeth. During the course of the letters Tara's family settles down while Elizabeth's falls apart. The girls' love and concern for each other pays off as they support the other during this difficult time. The letters offer insight into each girl's personality. The humor and feistiness of each character add to the reader's pleasure.

School Library Journal

(Gr 5-8) - Two adolescent girls try very hard to sustain their "best friend" status despite geographical separation. The protagonists have very different personalities, yet there is a strong bond between them. Tara*Starr is a creative, flamboyant youngster while Elizabeth is more introspective. This contrast adds liveliness to the narrative. Both are bright and imaginative. Their story is told in alternating voices via their correspondences after Tara*Starr moves to Ohio. Danziger and Martin know how to speak in these young voices and manage to capture many of the nuances of their relationship. The feelings the girls share about new friends, separation, and adjustment ring true. Of course, the two authors cram a great deal into this book. Elizabeth's family is upper-middle class while Tara*Starr's parents, who are only in their late 20s, have been struggling to grow into their "adulthood" financially and emotionally. In a reversal of fortunes, Elizabeth's family situation begins to fall apart as greater security develops for Tara*Starr. Both girls remain there for one another despite temporary misunderstandings. The authenticity of the well-drawn characters gives life and vitality to the story. Changes occur in both girls, and though they keep their friendship alive, it changes as well. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced read. Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

School Library Journal