Fiction, Fantasy and YA: "When You Reach Me"

Bibliography

Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2009.

Plot

Miranda is a sixth grader who lives with her Mom who is practicing to compete on $25,000 Pyramid in New York City.  First her best friend Sal dumps her as a friend after a strange boy punches him.  Then Miranda begins to get mysterious notes from a stranger with information about the future and an upcoming death.  She continues to get notes and figure out the cryptic messages while going to school, helping her Mom and dealing with friendships, new and old.

Critical Analysis

Rebecca Stead writes this engaging story with a mysterious twist to further tantalize the reader.  Miranda not only solves who the mysterious note writer is, but also finds out a lot about who she is and what she is capable of.  The chapters titles are stylized as if they are answers on $25,000 Pyramid, which offer a clue to the upcoming events.  It is a realistic story with a touch of fantasy, as this mystery man brings in the element of time travel and foretelling the future.  While Miranda is going through this adventure, she continues to support her Mom while she is practicing for the game show.  Friendships, family and the need for communication is another theme that will capture the interest of young people.  Even the titles of the chapters are written as if they are answers on $25,000 Pyramid.  

Review Excerpts

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “An exciting, engaging mix of science fiction, mystery and adventure.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Credible and absorbing.  Young readers will find this a journey worth taking.”

Connections

·      Students can research information on the game show $25,000 Pyramid and see if they are any good at guessing the clues.

·      Students can read other mysteries, including First Light also by Rebecca Stead and compare them to this story.