DEAR ANJALI

Grief, bullying and friendships are the focus of this layered, complex tale from Haber. When her best friend Anjali dies as a result of a stunningly brief illness, Meredith is set adrift. The ensuing tale unfolds in the first person, interspersed by letters Meredith writes to Anjali; poignantly, she leaves typed missives around her room for Anjali to “read” because “…it wasn’t like she left a forwarding address.” When her secret crush, Noah, joins Meredith in grieving for Anjali, a tentative bond is formed. However, a less appealing aspect of the girls’ friendship is uncovered when the truth of Noah’s relationship with Anjali and her traitorous friendship with Meredith’s arch-nemesis Wendy is revealed. With a perspicacity beyond her years, Meredith comes to terms with Anjali’s transgressions in a way that honors the finer points of their relationship but no longer leaves Meredith feeling diminished. This empowering tale is a great read for readers navigating the precarious waters of adolescent friendships. (Fiction. 9-13)