1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stead,
Rebecca. 2010. When You Reach Me. New
York, NY: Yearling. ISBN 978-0375850868
2. PLOT SUMMARY
An intricate collection of experiences combine into a story about
a young girl named Miranda. As she
experiences normal childhood angst and experiences growing up in New York City,
strange occurrences begin to happen to her. These odd happenings begin after
she ends a friendship with her best friend, Sal. Miranda begins a new friendship with the
person who assaulted Sal, and then encounters The Laughing Man, which adds a
layer of complication to the burgeoning friendship. She then begins receiving secret notes and is
unable to ascertain their meaning or their origin. However, when her mother reaches a long
desired goal, it seems as if all of the questions that Miranda has been asking
are answered.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Reminiscent of Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, Stead’s novel is a woven piece of literary
genius. The individual pieces of the
book fit together like a puzzle. However,
this puzzle is more easily assembled on the second reading. While some reviews recommend this book for
ages ten and up, the complexity of the story may be better suited for readers
over the age of twelve, or younger readers with a higher reading comprehension
level.
The setting of the New York streets and shops ground the
story and assist in the story’s consistency.
While many readers will not read the book a second time, these settings
are an integral part of the story’s plotline and are well incorporated into the
overall story.
One of the more interesting additions to the book, and one
that younger readers may or may not comprehend, is the naming of the individual
chapters. Each chapter is named after a
category from the game show, The $20,000 Pyramid. While this game show is an essential aspect
of the book, it may be lost on readers who have never seen the game show on
television.
While it is clear that When
You Reach Me is a fantasy, science fiction book, Stead still manages to
maintain a sense of reality. The
characters are vividly portrayed and are relatable to young readers. The layout of the book is in short chapters,
which may make it easier for younger readers to embrace, but the mysteries of
the notes and their interconnectedness to other parts of the story may be too complicated
for those same readers.
When You Reach Me
is an outstanding book. However, the
elaborateness of the plot may be too complex for the average elementary school student.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
- Newbery Medal 2010
- ALA Notable Children's Book 2010
- Andre Norton Award 2009 Nominated
- The New York Times Notable Book 2009
- Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books List of 2009
- Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year List of 2009
- School Library Journal Best Book of the Year List of 2009
- Booklist Editors' Choice List of 2009
- Horn Book Fanfare List of 2009
- Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee 2011
- Massachusetts Children's Book Award Winner 2012
5.
CONNECTIONS
*Other books by
Rebecca Stead
Liar & Spy.
ISBN 978-0385737432
First Light.
ISBN 978-0440422228
*Other books
that address time travel
L’Engle,
Madeline.
A Wrinkle In Time. ISBN
978-0374386160
Buckley-Archer,
Linda. The Time Travelers (Gideon Trilogy). ISBN 978-1442465510
Langton,
Jane. The Time Bike. ISBN 978-0064407922