When You Reach Me - Outside of a Dog

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Published May 15, 2010 by Random House.

ISBN:: 9781616579043

(1 review)

Winner of the 2010 John Newbery MedalFour mysterious letters change Miranda's world forever.By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper: I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not …

Winner of the 2010 John Newbery MedalFour mysterious letters change Miranda's world forever.By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper: I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.From the Hardcover edition.

10 editions

Elska Bee reviewed When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Review of 'When You Reach Me' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Super cute book that really accurately captures what it's like to be a 12 year old learning about the world, friendships, and the trials and tribulations of growing up.

Don't go in expecting this to be a time travel novel, while ultimately that's what this book culminates as, it's more of a cosy magical realism-esque contemporary novel. That said, if you are struggling with it the ending is so good that it was worth the more bland parts of the novel.

It is middle grade so I always keep in mind that I am viewing this through my adult lens, but even so this book dragged at times. Mostly due to the length (the set up is very, very long compared to the payoff) and the blandness of the writing style. It is told through a letter/story written by the main character who is 12, but I feel a lot …

Super cute book that really accurately captures what it's like to be a 12 year old learning about the world, friendships, and the trials and tribulations of growing up.

Don't go in expecting this to be a time travel novel, while ultimately that's what this book culminates as, it's more of a cosy magical realism-esque contemporary novel. That said, if you are struggling with it the ending is so good that it was worth the more bland parts of the novel.

It is middle grade so I always keep in mind that I am viewing this through my adult lens, but even so this book dragged at times. Mostly due to the length (the set up is very, very long compared to the payoff) and the blandness of the writing style. It is told through a letter/story written by the main character who is 12, but I feel a lot of 12 year olds reading this would expect slightly more out of the writing (as someone who was reading Terry Pratchett at that age I certainly would have).

I would also caution parents and educators to make sure to discuss some of the themes of this book with young readers. Because of the age of the book (2009) and the time setting (1978-9) there are some aspects that should be explored outside of the text, particularly with racism (it's handled well enough for not being a major theme, but perhaps not explored enough for a reader who has little context already).

Overall, highly recommend for both kids and adults!