P.S. Longer Letter Later

( 88 )

Overview

If opposites really do attract, this explains why Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are best friends. Not only are their personalities different, but their family backgrounds are a lesson in socio-economic diversity. When Tara*Starr's family moves to another town, the letters that she and Elizabeth write regularly become even more important. Their correspondence chronicles the joys, hopes, fears, and sometimes pain, of two girls coming of age.

Twelve-year-old best friends ...

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More About This Book

Overview

If opposites really do attract, this explains why Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are best friends. Not only are their personalities different, but their family backgrounds are a lesson in socio-economic diversity. When Tara*Starr's family moves to another town, the letters that she and Elizabeth write regularly become even more important. Their correspondence chronicles the joys, hopes, fears, and sometimes pain, of two girls coming of age.

Twelve-year-old best friends Elizabeth and Tara-Starr continue their friendship through letter-writing after Tara-Starr's family moves to another state.

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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
If Danziger and Martin had been childhood pen pals, their correspondence might have read much like this strikingly insightful epistolary novel. Each known for a finely tuned ear to her audience, the venerable authors here do a splendid job of creating a story based on the letters exchanged between 12-year-old best friends, one of whom has just moved to another state. The authors' distinctive voices give the collaboration a rare spontaneity and realism. Impulsive, outgoing Tara*Starr streaks her hair purple, can't resist a pun, pens an irreverent column for her school paper and fancies creme-filled, frosted doughnuts with sprinkles. The whole-wheat variety is the doughnut of choice for quiet, thoughtful Elizabeth, who enjoys cross-stitching, launches a poetry journal at school and isn't quite ready to pierce her ears. Tara's life, which had been chaotic prior to her move, hits some unanticipated twists: her mother and father (who had Tara at 17) begin acting like parents for the first time (taking steady jobs, setting rules around the house) and her mother becomes pregnant. Elizabeth, meanwhile, whose life was quite predictable and steady, faces cataclysmic change when her spendthrift father loses his job, struggles with alcohol and abandons his wife and daughters. Her crises spawn some moving passages, including her response to Tara's ironic complaints that her life is "a shambles" because snow postponed the school play; "It better turn around soon," writes Elizabeth, "Your life is the only good one I have." Readers will also readily identify with Tara's confessions of inadequacy about how to console Elizabeth (e.g., "Zounds! Zounds! Zounds!/ A million times Zounds!/ I don't know what to say. Your news is soooooooo awful!"). Even when the girls argue and the time between letters grows, readers can appreciate what goes into the erosion and rebuilding of friendship. Given Danziger's and Martin's penchant for continuing story lines, readers can only hope that this will be an ongoing correspondence. Ages 10-13. (Apr.)
Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman
Two popular authors team to write a delightful story of best friends who must continue their friendship via letters when one friend, Tara*Starr, moves away. Danziger is the flamboyant Tara*Starr while Martin is the more stable Elizabeth. During the course of the letters Tara's family settles down while Elizabeth's falls apart. The girls' love and concern for each other pays off as they support the other during this difficult time. The letters offer insight into each girl's personality. The humor and feistiness of each character add to the reader's pleasure.
Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo
They say opposites attract, and that was the case with Tara*Starr and her best friend, Elizabeth. When Tara*Starr moves to a new community, they continue their friendship by letter. There are more changes than either anticipates. Not only is Tara*Starr adjusting to the usual changes of a move, but her parents are also beginning to show maturity and responsibility for the first time since she can remember. What's more, after being an only child for twelve years, Tara*Starr is going to have a sibling. Elizabeth's life changes, too, when her father loses his high-paying job and the family must come to terms with the ensuing difficulties. Two of the most popular children's book writers have collaborated on this series of believable letters. They allowed the story line to evolve as they sent the letters to one another. Danziger writes as Tara*Starr, while Martin is Elizabeth. There are many interesting discussion points in this novel: relationships with friends and family, coping with change, handling misunderstandings, and recognizing the individuality of each personality.
School Library Journal
(Gr 5-8) - Two adolescent girls try very hard to sustain their "best friend" status despite geographical separation. The protagonists have very different personalities, yet there is a strong bond between them. Tara*Starr is a creative, flamboyant youngster while Elizabeth is more introspective. This contrast adds liveliness to the narrative. Both are bright and imaginative. Their story is told in alternating voices via their correspondences after Tara*Starr moves to Ohio. Danziger and Martin know how to speak in these young voices and manage to capture many of the nuances of their relationship. The feelings the girls share about new friends, separation, and adjustment ring true. Of course, the two authors cram a great deal into this book. Elizabeth's family is upper-middle class while Tara*Starr's parents, who are only in their late 20s, have been struggling to grow into their "adulthood" financially and emotionally. In a reversal of fortunes, Elizabeth's family situation begins to fall apart as greater security develops for Tara*Starr. Both girls remain there for one another despite temporary misunderstandings. The authenticity of the well-drawn characters gives life and vitality to the story. Changes occur in both girls, and though they keep their friendship alive, it changes as well. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced read. Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5-Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are totally different--and they are best friends. By Paula Danziger and Ann Martin. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780590213110
  • Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
  • Publication date: 5/28/1999
  • Edition description: Reissue
  • Pages: 240
  • Sales rank: 466,760
  • Age range: 8 - 12 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.28 (w) x 7.57 (h) x 0.65 (d)

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 88 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(77)

4 Star

(9)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(1)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 80 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 30, 2011

    Most Read

    Introduction
    In this book the author¿s purpose was to be humorous. I thought it was humorous. The stories pages were like letters about two girls and one moved away. At times in the book the girls got in fights and had to talk to Tara¿s parents about it because she couldn¿t go to Emma or her parents.
    Description and summary of main points In this book there were two girls. The girl¿s names were Elizabeth and Tara Star. Elizabeth is having the time of her life until some little thing turns her life upside down. All kinds of bad things happen. Elizabeth¿s parents are arguing and her dad hasn¿t been coming home. It was like her whole family was tearing apart. Well Christmas is coming and Emma, her little sister believes in Santa. She knows her parents won¿t get Emma anything, because there fighting and have little money. It¿s up to her to get Christmas presents with her own money.
    Evaluation
    Overall I thought this book was really interesting. I would recommend it to others. It wasn¿t confusing, hard to read, or understand. Also the whole story was kind of like life. I mean, things that occurred in this book can happen any day, to families, and people.
    Conclusion
    I loved this book, and thought it was sad at times because Elizabeth was going through so much. It was honestly one of the best books I have ever read.
    Your final review
    It was sad that Elizabeth had to go through the things her parents were going through. She was really a good sister helping and trying her best to get presents for her younger sister.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 7, 2008

    P. S. Longer review later

    P.S. Longer letter later is a fantastic book. It is about 2 girls, Tara and Elizabeth, who are writing letters to each other. Tara had to move away and Elizabeth had to start seventh grade with out her. I really this this book is great. i loved it and I know you will to.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 8, 2007

    Incredible

    This book was probally the best book i have ever read in my life! The author made it seem like you are in the book! you HAVE to read this book!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 21, 2007

    A reviewer

    Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are best friends, but when Tara*Starr moves,they start writing letters. Their friendship is weakening with the change. Could they be friends forever?

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 18, 2007

    GREAT!

    This is one of the best books I have ever read in my life! If you see it in the store, get it! Trust me, you'll totally LOVE, and I mean LOVE it!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 21, 2006

    Five Stars!

    Award winning authors Paula Danziger and Ann. M. Martin combine their talents to write this wonderful novel. P.S. Longer Letter Later is a heart wrenching story about two best friends who communicate with letters. Ever since Tara moves away, their lives change completely. As if they are being kept away from each other in a dirty chamber. Tara and Elizabeth are very different. Tara loves to be the center of attention, and she is also an only child of two very young but immature parents who seems to change throughout the novel. Elizabeth on the other side, hates being the center of attention, and she lives with her younger sister Emma, a stay at home mom, and a dad that has gone out of control. When he loses his job, can he try to keep his family together? This book is full of excitement. You really don¿t know what is going to happen next! It is a great novel for children from the ages 10 ¿ 12. Theses girls, Elizabeth and Tara are really true friends. ¿PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE think about visiting.¿ Elizabeth writes to Tara. Elizabeth really wants Tara to visit her ever since Tara moved. This unique book is written in letter format which makes it much more interesting to read. If you are bored and want to read a book that is full of exhilaration, try this one out! P.S. Longer Letter Later is the most outgoing novel. It has many ups and downs. It teaches you that you can still be friend, even though your miles away. Once you pick it up, you won¿t dare to put is back down.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 5, 2006

    duet succsues

    This book was a touching and inspiring book. When i finished it i wished it wasnt over and hoping to read the seuql snail mail no more.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 5, 2006

    loving it!

    I loved this book because even though it was just all letters,i really related to both the girls life but one thing i didn't like about it was that tara star was having a great life while elizabeth wasn't. Way to many boyfriends for tara! she didn't need that many!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 21, 2006

    I like this book

    I really like this book! It is great. The two friends are separated because one of them moves. They write letters to each other and tell about what is happening. Elizabeth goes through hard times with her family, and so does Tara*Starr. I really think that you should read this book. It is awesome!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 21, 2005

    p.s. longer letter later

    I loved this book! i can't wait to read the sequle (snail mail no more) I thought it was one of the best books i've ever read!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 15, 2005

    A Great Book

    P.S. Longer Letter later is a great book. Every tween and teen should read this book. You get to see what others life are like once a friend moves away and how to make new friends and getting involved in school

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 21, 2005

    have you ever?

    have you ever read a book about letters that keep going on and on about nothing? well i have, and i think that it is the most boring book ever! i need some drama to liven things up.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 6, 2005

    p.s. longer letter later

    this was one of the best books i have ever read i would recomend it to anyone who has a name and even those who dont it is an outstanding book and i will read it more than twice you should too you will read it and love it and then want to read all the others i highly recomend it and i cant say enough how much i loved it.thanks for listening

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 7, 2004

    This is a great book

    I thought this book was really good, I liked that it was realistic. And I felt like I could relate to some of the carecters. I'd recomend this book.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 28, 2003

    Great

    I like this book alot. It kind of tells u what it's like if 2 friends trying 2 keep intouch by letters. And how hard it can be.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 23, 2003

    Great Book for Girls

    This book is one that I read over and over and over again. Also I've read the sequal called 'Snail Mail no More' Bothe these books bring a lot of emotion, and show how even while they are apart they still work out things in their crazy mixed up lives. While ones life is getting better the other's is falling apart. These two books bring friends together and shows bonds grow stronger even with absence.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 21, 2003

    Great Book

    This book is great! An ongoing adventure!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 19, 2003

    Ok... face it... u loved it!

    This book belive it helped me really from my social to mental life and washed away emotions inside I had! It can help you too!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 10, 2003

    5 Star Awsome

    This book is great. I can't wait to get Snail Mail No More.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 17, 2003

    This is one of my favorite books! It is a great book about friends!

    This book was great. It shows just how strong relationships between great friends can be. Especially ones as different as Tara*Starr and Elizabeth. I loved reading it and would recommend it to anyone!

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