PS Longer Letter Later by Ann Martin and Paula Danziger

Summary:

Middle School often brings changes, but huge changes affect Elizabeth and Tara*Starr when Tara*Starr’s family moves away. However, this is just the beginning of the tremendous changes which the girls encounter. Through a series of letters sent between the friends, the reader learns of the family difficulties Elizabeth faces, the hurdles Tara*Starr faces as a new student, and the strains placed on the girls’ friendship. Elizabeth, whose family was once a financial comfortable, stable unit is now falling apart as her father loses his job. Elizabeth’s family is force to sell their house and belongings to make ends meet. Furthermore, Elizabeth has difficulty adjusting to life without Tara*Starr and will soon adjust to life without her father, too. Tara*Starr’s life is changing as well. While she must deal with being the new student, she is making friends and doing well. Her parents, who married and became parents at a young age, are becoming more responsible and more “parent-like.” This is an adjustment for Tara*Starr, but a good one. It is difficult for Tara*Starr and Elizabeth to share their feelings as one is doing well and the other is not. However, there is a positive outcome in which friendship endures.

Readers who have moved away from their hometown and those friends they left behind will relate to this book. Some readers will relate to the smooth transition of Tara*Starr, while others will have sympathy for Elizabeth’s difficult situation. Readers will enjoy the “tennis match of letters” that volleys between the two girls. This format fosters an inviting read as one wonders how the girls will respond. Interestingly enough, the authors probably felt the same way. According to the Scholastic web site (see below), the authors wrote the book “letter by letter” with each author responding to the other’s letter.

While the book ends in a satisfactory way in which loose ends are tied up, readers who enjoy this book can continue with its sequel, Snail Mail, No More.

Links:

Learn more about Ann Martin on the Scholastic web site: http://www.scholastic.com/annmartin/

Learn more about Paula Danziger on the Scholastic web site:

http://www.scholastic.com/titles/paula/