Peter and Veronica

Twelve-year-old Peter Widdemeyer really enjoys his friendship with his tomboyish classmate Veronica Ganz. The two spend time together nearly every day, skating, visiting Peter's uncle's store and trying to get away from Veronica's tag-along little brother Stanley. Yet others aren't nearly as content to allow them to be friends. Their parents, for starters, disapprove...Peter's, of Veronica, because she isn't Jewish; and Veronica's, of Peter, because he is. Also, Veronica seems uncomfortable around Peter's other friends, which often puts him into the difficult position of having to choose. When Peter's long-awaited bar mitzvah arrives, he argues with his parents over the right to invite Veronica. After finally receiving grudging permission, Peter is infuriated by Veronica's no-show. What possible reason could she have for not attending an event so important to him? Readers will enjoy the adventures of these two friends, growing up in early '40s New York. For those more familiar with Sachs' "Amy and Laura" stories, where Veronica is presented as an enemy, this book provides more insight into Veronica's background and a refreshing well-roundedness for Sachs' entire canon.

In this book, told from Peter's point of view, Sachs really establishes the characters. It's about Peter who makes friends with Veronica who is an aggressive yet awkward tomboy who is shy around Peter's other friends and they dislike her because of her reputation as the former school bully. Peter's mom, who is a goofy, shallow woman if you ask me, dislikes Veronica and wants to terminate the friendship and Peter argues with her for months, and he wants to invite her to his special party but his mom refuses to let Veronica come, so he is going to keep fighting until she says yes. This book is full of surprises and very enjoyable. You might find some parts to sort of drag on, as I did when I first read it when I was 10, but they become more interesting upon second and third time reading it. This book will challenge you to consider what you look for and value in a friend. Read it!