Review: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (MG)

Summary from Barnes and Noble:
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.


I’m going to review this book exactly how I told it to my students. I think they thought I had lost it.

I just finished When You Reach Me, and all I can say is wow. Wow. Amazing. I don’t even know how to begin to tell you how good this book was and how much I liked it. I had heard good things about it – the reason why I picked it up. When I first started reading it I was “this is good. Not wow wow wow good, but it’s good.” Then I finished a certain chapter and my jaw dropped. I kid you not! The book took a whole new turn and became unbelievably amazing. From there on out it just got better and better. I was floored at how well the plot was constructed and how the story unfolded. Amazing. Absolutely the best book, hands down, I’ve read all year! I’m gushing I know, but it’s true. I’m debating about reading it aloud to my classes. All I know is that it has become dear to my reading heart.

Now I can’t or won’t tell you anymore because I’m so afraid I’ll give something away. You’re just going to have to read it!

Um what are you waiting for? Log off and go read it now!
 
Lexile: 750
Best for ages: 11+