On the one hand this book is filled with very familiar middle grade tropes - 2 best friends and one suddenly finds herself on the outs while the other becomes popular, cliques, bullying. But this has the unique perspective of being set in 1966 during the Vietnam War and Beatlemania.
Trudy is the president of her school's Beatle's fan club. But seemingly overnight she goes from being moderately popular to a pariah - due in part to her name (Gertrude), the abandonment of other members of the club (particularly her former best friend Michelle), and junior high issues in general. Even her father has become too busy for their shared love of the Beatles. When Trudy learns that the Beatles are coming to Boston she is so excited, especially when her father buys tickets. But plans go awry when her father has to go on business, her mom breaks her leg, and her former best friend isn't even interested. Trudy and the other remaining 3 members decide to go to the concert together, alone, and plot to meet Paul McCartney in person - each hoping that he will help solve some of their issues and fears.
The Beatles tie in is what saved the book from being typical fare and was an interesting, if unrealistic aspect of the book. Will readers appreciate the 60s nostalgia?
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