For a child feeling self-conscious about their changing body or peer teasing, this story explores finding confidence and self-acceptance through an unexpected friendship.
A parent might reach for this book when their middle-schooler is feeling awkward in their own skin, especially due to a growth spurt or being teased about their appearance. Twelve-year-old Emily is miserable, having shot up taller than everyone in her class. Her summer of hiding changes when Sara moves in next door. Sara is even taller, but she's also confident, tough, and completely unwilling to let bullies like Bruce get to her. This classic story explores the power of a transformative friendship to build self-confidence and resilience. It's an excellent choice for navigating the emotional challenges of puberty, peer pressure, and learning to accept oneself.
Sara's methods for dealing with bullies can be aggressive and confrontational, sparking discussion.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with body image issues and persistent verbal bullying. The approach is realistic for a middle-grade audience, portraying the emotional pain of teasing without being graphic. Sara's family is a single-parent household, which is presented as a fact of her life that contributes to her transient lifestyle and tough exterior. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on Emily's earned internal resilience, a realistic outcome of the summer's experiences.
Ideal Reader
A 10- to 13-year-old who feels physically awkward or 'different' from their peers, especially related to height or puberty. It's perfect for a child who is shy, introverted, and struggling to cope with teasing, who might fantasize about having a brave friend to show them the way.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. The bullying scenes are straightforward and emotionally resonant but not extreme. A parent might preview chapters involving the bully, Bruce, to be prepared to discuss effective ways to respond to teasing versus Sara's more aggressive tactics. The 1979 publication date means the setting lacks modern technology, but the core emotional themes are timeless. A parent has just heard their child say, "I hate being so tall," or "Everyone at school makes fun of me." The child may be withdrawing, avoiding social situations, or expressing deep unhappiness with their physical appearance during a growth spurt.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will connect with the clear injustice of the bullying and the power of friendship. An older reader (12-13) will have a deeper appreciation for the nuances of Emily's internal struggle with self-worth and may better understand the complexities of Sara's tough-but-vulnerable character. They will grasp the theme that true strength comes from within, not just from a friend's influence.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary books on this topic, its power lies in its focused simplicity. It's a tight character study of how one pivotal friendship can be a catalyst for change. Sara is not a perfect, gentle guide; she is a complex, sometimes difficult character, making the friendship feel more authentic. The book's core message is about borrowing strength from a friend until you can build your own.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Emily is intensely self-conscious about being the tallest girl in her sixth grade class, a fact the neighborhood bully, Bruce, never lets her forget. Her lonely summer is upended by the arrival of Sara, a new girl who is an inch taller than Emily and possesses a fierce, non-conformist confidence. Sara actively challenges the bullies and encourages Emily to stand up for herself. Their friendship, though sometimes rocky due to Sara's abrasive personality, ultimately empowers Emily to find her own strength and self-acceptance, even after Sara moves away at the end of the summer.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sara's way of dealing with the bully Bruce is very direct and aggressive. Do you think this was the best way for Emily to handle the situation? What are some other ways she could have responded?
2
At the start of the book, Emily feels like she can't talk to her family about being teased. Why do you think it was easier for her to confide in Sara, a relative stranger, than her own sister or parents?
3
When Sara moves away, Emily worries she won't be brave anymore. What lessons do you think will stick with Emily the most? How has she permanently changed because of her summer with Sara?
4
Emily wants to be exactly like Sara at first, but by the end, she seems more comfortable being herself. What is the difference between admiring someone and trying to become them?
