All Alone in the Universe
From Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Debbie and Maureen are in middle school; they've been best friends
since third grade. At least they were until Glenna Flaiber arrives on the scene
and becomes a major threat to their relationship. Debbie is comfortable being
"Frick and Frack," as her father calls them, and becoming like the Three
Musketeers is not appealing to her. When Maureen and Glenna vacation together
and begin to share secrets that exclude her, Debbie begins to feel "all alone in
the universe." In truth, Maureen likes both girls, but Glenna's constant
presence is hard for the jealous friend to take and Debbie is gradually pushed
out of the picture. With the help of a caring teacher and some new adult
friends, she realizes that Maureen, not Glenna, is ultimately responsible for
ending their friendship, and that's what hurts the most. Debbie is gently guided
along to reach out to some new girls, and finds that she can be friends with
many different types of people. The ending is realistic. There are no magical
solutions or potions that bring the former friends back together. As in real
life, growth occurs, relationships change, and the girls move on. A poignant
story written with sensitivity and tenderness.
Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.