Since You've Been Gone

Gr 7 Up—Emily is bereft when her bubbly and energetic best friend, Sloane, leaves without saying goodbye at the beginning of what should have been the best summer of their lives. Sloane was the one who planned their adventures and befriended everyone they met, and Emily is feeling more than a little lost when a letter arrives from Sloane containing a list of tasks for Emily to do over the summer. Hoping that the list contains clues to Sloane's whereabouts that will become clear as she crosses items off, Emily tackles the challenges, making new friends, overcoming her fears, and gaining confidence as the summer goes on. Readers will root for Emily as she gets a new job, skinny dips, uses the fake ID Sloane got for her, crashes a wedding, and kisses a stranger. Though marred by a few leaps of logic and the occasionally clunky turn of phrase, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book with a terrific romantic subplot and an ending that ties up the loose ends believably and satisfyingly. It will appeal to readers who loved Maureen Johnson's 13 Little Blue Envelopes (HarperCollins, 2005).—Stephanie Klose, Library Journal