WHEN YOU REACH ME
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stead, Rebecca. 2009. WHEN YOU REACH ME. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 978-385-73742-5.
Stead, Rebecca. 2009. WHEN YOU REACH ME. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 978-385-73742-5.
PLOT SUMMARY
Stead introduces us to Miranda, a middle-school student in the Upper West Side of New York City, as she has learned that her mom received a postcard to appear on The 20,000 Pyramid Show on April 27, 1979, just as it had said would happen in the mysterious notes she kept receiving. Throughout the story, Miranda continues to receive anonymous notes that seem to be from somebody who knows her future. The reader follows Miranda as she discovers herself and the meanings of true friendships and discovers the mystery surrounding the notes throughout this intriguing and endearing novel.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Stead creates a culture in this blended genre of science fiction and historical fiction that is genuine with authentic characters true to the times. The author uses an easy, conversational style and uses short chapters with interesting and sometimes puzzling titles. Set in 1978 and 1979 in the Upper West Side of New York, Miranda, the protagonist, is a middle-schooler who finds herself removed from her best friend (since they were toddlers), Sal. So, she embarks on new friendships with Annemarie, Colin and even Julia. Stead is able to bring alive Miranda's emotions, with which any adolescent should be able to connect. In Miranda's thoughts, "ever since our foreheads had touched, looking at Colin made me feel strange. But good-strange, not creepy-strange."
Alongside the compelling story of friendship, Stead creates a world where time-travel seems possible. The mystery surrounding the notes that Miranda is getting seems believable and arouses the reader's curiosity. Miranda is mystified and even scared of the anonymous letters that she keeps getting from somebody who seems to know her future or is possibly even from the future! "You will want proof. 3 p.m. today: Colin's knapsack. Christmas Day: Tesser well. April 27th: Studio TV-15." Stead carefully develops the time-travel possibility by showing the reader Miranda's obsession with A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle, a novel about time-travelers that she has read numerous times. She learns that two of her classmates, Marcus and Julia, both enjoyed reading the book as well and they find themselves having discussions about the logistics of it at different times throughout the story.
These letters not only mystify and scare her, but they help her to understand things that are happening in the world around her. She starts to see things more clearly which causes her to ask questions. Why didn't Sal want to be friends anymore? Why was there a crazy, homeless man, who was always laughing and kicking his feet in the air, that showed up in front of her building (just before the letters did)? Why did Julia hate me? Why can't my mom wrap my snacks up with ribbons just like Annemarie's dad does?
In addition to the mystery surrounding the notes that Miranda kept getting, the story evolved with Miranda's friendships and her relationship with her mom and soon to be step-dad. The recurring themes of friendship, growing up and independence were prevalent throughout the story which gave opportunities for the reader to connect with the characters.
The difference in economic status and cultures was also an important theme throughout the story. Miranda ws able to make friends with kids who lived in better homes and areas of the City, and who were of different races, but who all were the same as her in some ways too.
Stead has created a fantasy about time-travel full of mystery and intrigue, but also with genuine, fun and independent young characters. In the end, the notes help Miranda learn about the true meaning of love and friendship.
Alongside the compelling story of friendship, Stead creates a world where time-travel seems possible. The mystery surrounding the notes that Miranda is getting seems believable and arouses the reader's curiosity. Miranda is mystified and even scared of the anonymous letters that she keeps getting from somebody who seems to know her future or is possibly even from the future! "You will want proof. 3 p.m. today: Colin's knapsack. Christmas Day: Tesser well. April 27th: Studio TV-15." Stead carefully develops the time-travel possibility by showing the reader Miranda's obsession with A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle, a novel about time-travelers that she has read numerous times. She learns that two of her classmates, Marcus and Julia, both enjoyed reading the book as well and they find themselves having discussions about the logistics of it at different times throughout the story.
These letters not only mystify and scare her, but they help her to understand things that are happening in the world around her. She starts to see things more clearly which causes her to ask questions. Why didn't Sal want to be friends anymore? Why was there a crazy, homeless man, who was always laughing and kicking his feet in the air, that showed up in front of her building (just before the letters did)? Why did Julia hate me? Why can't my mom wrap my snacks up with ribbons just like Annemarie's dad does?
In addition to the mystery surrounding the notes that Miranda kept getting, the story evolved with Miranda's friendships and her relationship with her mom and soon to be step-dad. The recurring themes of friendship, growing up and independence were prevalent throughout the story which gave opportunities for the reader to connect with the characters.
The difference in economic status and cultures was also an important theme throughout the story. Miranda ws able to make friends with kids who lived in better homes and areas of the City, and who were of different races, but who all were the same as her in some ways too.
Stead has created a fantasy about time-travel full of mystery and intrigue, but also with genuine, fun and independent young characters. In the end, the notes help Miranda learn about the true meaning of love and friendship.
REVIEW EXCEPRTS
BOOKLIST:
"The mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating; and the
characters, children, and adults are honest bits of humanity no matter in what
place or time their souls rest."--Starred Review
KIRKUS REVIEWS:
"When all the sidewalk characters from Miranda's Manhattan world converge amid
mind-blowing revelations and cunning details, teen readers will circle back to
the beginning and say,'Wow ... cool.'"--Starred Review
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:
"This unusual, thought-provoking mystery will appeal to several types of
readers."--Starred Review
AWARDS
2010 Newbery Medal
New York Times Bestseller
New York Times Bestseller
CONNECTIONS
The themes of friendship, growing up and independence should be studied and discussed in middle-school classrooms. This book is a great aid in helping to open up discussions about what friendship really is and about the importance of being open-minded, accepting and forgiving. Teachers should lead discussions by asking questions such as: "What does it mean to be a good friend?" "Is it important for boys to have friends that are boys and girls to have friends that are girls?" "Why did Miranda want a truce with Julia?"
Teacher's should also consider having their students read A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle to supplement their studies about fantasy.
The themes of friendship, growing up and independence should be studied and discussed in middle-school classrooms. This book is a great aid in helping to open up discussions about what friendship really is and about the importance of being open-minded, accepting and forgiving. Teachers should lead discussions by asking questions such as: "What does it mean to be a good friend?" "Is it important for boys to have friends that are boys and girls to have friends that are girls?" "Why did Miranda want a truce with Julia?"
Teacher's should also consider having their students read A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle to supplement their studies about fantasy.
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