When We Were Infinite

Gr 9 Up–High school senior Beth’s group of friends is the most important part of her life. Sunny, Grace, Brandon, Jason, and Beth are all part of the Bay Area Youth Symphony and spend almost all their time together, communicating via text messages when they are apart. When Beth and Brandon witness an act of domestic violence in Jason’s house, the four friends make a pact to attend the college he wants to go to so they can continue to be there for him. Beth’s father left when she little, and because of that she feels like she must always be whatever other people need her to be, so they won’t leave her. Thus, when her friend group starts to grow apart, she feels it the most deeply and tries the hardest to fight the changes. Many high school students will relate to the important role of friendship in Beth’s life. The story is written from Beth’s perspective as she looks back on the events of senior year, and sometimes the shift from the present moment high school narration to Beth’s reflection is disconcerting. Suicide, abuse, racism, mental health, and microaggressions are frankly and thoughtfully discussed. The back matter includes a resource section for readers who might be struggling with mental health issues. Beth’s friends are Chinese, and she is biracial (white and Chinese).