APA Citation: Stead, R. (2009). When you reach me. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.
Plot summary: Sixth-grader (and latch-key kid) Miranda’s best friend Sal is totally ignoring her. When Miranda finds a mysterious, anonymous note addressed to her, talking about things no one else could have known, she decides to try and map out the story, beginning a few months ago when everything changed. As she continues to receive the strange notes, Miranda begins to believe that she is the key to preventing a tragic death.
Relation to other works: Readers who enjoy When You Reach Me (and time-travel) will find similarities in the works of one of Stead’s most obvious influences – Madeleine L’Engle. In fact, I think that readers who are familiar with A Wrinkle in Time will particularly appreciate this story.
Appeal: Part mystery, part science-fiction, part realistic-fiction, this book has a little something for everyone. The characters are well drawn, the dialogue is humorous, and ultimately it is a sweet, sad book that mirrors real-life.
Audience or readership: Ages 9-14.
Limitations or weaknesses: The mystery isn’t very difficult to solve, and some readers may have it figured out fairly early on. In my experience, this did not detract from the story as there is a lot more to the book that the mystery, but it is something to keep in mind for experienced sleuths.
Overall assessment: Stead manages to tackle a large range of issues in this book (without it seeming like an “issue” book). While the mystery and science fiction elements of the book are driving the plot, the interactions between the characters is the most rewarding aspect. I felt engaged and, in truth, invested in the lives of the characters. Though I only had the intention to begin reading this book when I initially sat down with it, I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting. I was hooked. Grade: A+
KIDS LIT FTW! 