Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. 2009. Wendy Lamb Books, 199 pages. $15.99 ISBN: 9780385737425
Plot Summary:
It all started after Miranda’s friend Sal is punched by Marcus in the street after school. It was around this time that Sal stopped wanting to be Miranda’s friend. It was also around this time that Miranda discovers the first note and that the extra key to the apartment is missing. Miranda is understandably scared by the note, but also intrigued. The author claimed that he was coming to save a friend of Miranda’s before it is too late. But why would the author of the note ask her to write him a letter? And why would they need to know where the key to their apartment was hidden if they already broken in and took the key. Miranda continues to find mysterious notes, one of which offers “proof,” giving her three dates that will prove important to Miranda. When her mother is selected to participate on $20,000 Pyramid on April 27, the last date on the “proof” note, Miranda is convinced that the author of the notes somehow knows what will happen before it happens. As she uncovers further clues and with a little help from her favorite novel she will make an incredible discover.
Critical Review:
When You Reach Me is a unique story. Reader will not be able to put it down, become more intrigued with the mysterious author of Miranda’s notes and who might be in danger. Stead’s story gives nothing away and readers certainly be surprised by the ending. The clues in When Your Reach me are subtle and easy to overlook if you are not paying close attention.
Genre:
Realistic Fiction
Science Fiction
Interest Level:
5th to 7th grades
Similar Books:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
Awards:
2010 Newberry Award Winner
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2010
ALA Notable Book 2010
Andre Norton Award 2010
Author’s Website:
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