When You Reach Me

Stead, R. (2009). When you reach me. Wendy Lamb Books.  

Summary: Miranda is a middle school girl who struggles to keep a steady set of friends throughout the book. The first friend she loses is Sal who was randomly punched in the face by a boy named Marcus while Miranda and Sal were walking home from school. After this incident, Sal does not come around anymore. Miranda then finds a friendship with Annemarie and then Collin helps get them a job at a local sandwich shop. All while this is happening, Miranda starts to find anonymous notes at home, at the sandwich shop, and in her jacket pocket that mention future events that all end up coming true. She doesn’t know who these notes are coming from until she sees Sal come face to face with Marcus again. When he turns to run away, he is about to be hit by a truck when a homeless man, The Laughing Man, pushes him out of the way and is hit instead. Miranda notices that the man is wearing a pair of shoes from her home and then finds the forth and final note on him. The note helps her come to the conclusion that the Laughing Man is actually an older version of Marcus who has traveled back in time.

Commentary: This novel is written from the point of view of Miranda. It is written this way so the author can understand the personal struggles that Miranda faces as the plot begins to twist and turn. The reader sees her confusion and fear turn to intrigue and curiosity as the notes continue to appear. This fantasy novel is laced with elements of time travel throughout the book and includes references to the popular book titled A Wrinkle in Time. If the reader has previously been exposed to this book, it immediately sparks an interest and helps the reader to make a connection. Miranda is a relatable character because of the struggles she faces such as living with a single mom, losing and gaining friends, and finding a place to fit in. The unique plot of this book definitely keeps readers guessing and wondering what will happen next.

Connection: Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead and Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead