Rebecca Stead’s tricky When You Reach Me is a homage to Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. Twelve-year-old Miranda lives with her single mom in New York City. Through a series of events, Miranda learns she’s part of a time-travel scenario. When I heard librarian Nancy Pearl praise this book on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition last week, I knew I had to read it. I love time travel stories and this Young Adult novel captures the paradoxes and tangled logic perfectly for its audience. Don’t miss this one! GRADE: B+
I also love time travel stories (Jack Finney’s are my favorites) so this will go on my list.
I love Jack Finney’s time-travel novels, too, Jeff. WHEN YOU REACH ME is aimed at the YA market, but can easily be enjoyed by adults.
Me, too. And Jack Finney is also my favorite. Will check my library.
Nancy Pearl said that WHEN YOU REACH ME was recommended to her by a friend who is a Middle School teacher. The teacher read the book to her students and as soon as she finished WHEN YOU REACH ME, the students wanted her to read it to them again so they could figure out the clues! Then Nancy Pearl read the book and as soon as she finished it, she started reading it again from the beginning!
The cover makes it look like a puzzle book, clues to find a specific location on a map.
Exactly right, Rick. It is a puzzle. But Stead throws in some tricky twists and turns. Rumor has it WHEN YOU REACH ME is a contender for the NEWBERRY AWARD for best children’s book of the year.
Sounds like a candidate for the Michael L. Printz Award.
I’m guessing WHEN YOU REACH ME will win plenty of prizes, Rick. It’s that good.
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