The Wonder of Us by Kim Culbertson - ESSENTIAL

Culbertson, Kim The Wonder of Us 328 pgs., Point: an imprint of Scholastic Inc., $17.99,

Language: G(0 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G; 

Abby and Riya have been friends since Kindergarten, but when Riya moves to Berlin for a year, everything changes.  The two girls grow farther and farther apart as their communication slows down and the secrets start to pile up.  So, when Riya invites Abby on a summer tour of Europe, Riya hopes she can repair the gap between them.  The trip was a blast until Riya lets loose a secret that will test the bond between her and Abby.  

I really enjoyed this book because it showed me that friends can still be friends after a long period of no communication. It was also a good way to learn more about the six different European countries, and cities, the girls visited. Mature Content is PG because there is a lot of talk about divorce, romantic thoughts, and the mental state of the characters as they try to heal the rift between them. 

MS/HS - ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JM(9th grade)