When You Reach Me

Written by: Rebecca Stead

Published by Wendy Lamb Books, 2009

Reading Level: Lexile 1300

Independent Read, 6.7

 

Suspending, Personal, Meaningful, Mysterious, Realistic

When You Reach Me was awarded the John Newbery Medal in 2010.  For the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for Children.

 

Miranda is a twelve year old girl, living in New York City in the 1970’s. Her mother has recently received an invitation to come on the show $20,000 Pyramid. While helping her mother prepare for her appearance on the show, Miranda has a great deal of situations she must learn to deal with. Miranda is losing her best friend Sal, which she thinks is because of the time he got punched by a larger boy named Marcus. When in reality, Sal was just in the primary stage of becoming a teenage boy and didn’t want a girl as his best friend. But, at the same time, Miranda is receiving anonymous letters about what will happen within the next couple days, which becomes freakishly true. However, she is not to disclose with anyone what the letters say, she already made that mistake with the first letter. Miranda is also learning more about herself and the characters within this novel.

Key Vocabulary –

1.      Deliberately, 137

2.      Conspiracy, 166

3.      Accusingly, 174

4.      Groggy, 169

5.      Veil, 71

Teaching Suggestions –

** Read, A Wrinkle In Time, and even have your students read the book prior to reading When You Reach Me. I found it confusing to understand this novel, due to the fact, that there were so many connections and references between the two books. **

Before Reading: Set the scene for your student’s. The novel is set in the late 70’s in New York City, a very much different place and time than today. Back then kids were able to walk to and from school by themselves of walks longer than a mile, and work at the age of twelve. Two things you don’t see today! It is important for your students to understand the setting, in order to understand the character’s actions.

During Reading: How all the characters in the story are connected is important for your students to understand, in order to, understand the novel. Miranda looses Sal as a friend, engages in conversation with the young boy who had hit her best friend, becomes friends with the two most popular girls in school, and then develops a crush on a boy who now Sal hangs out with.

After Reading: Discuss who ‘the laughing man’ was. Why was he an important character throughout the novel. Discuss the remark Miranda said that was implied as racism. Friendship is highlighted throughout this novel, as well as the connections readers make while reading a book with the characters.  

Electronic Resources –

DiscussionQuestions: Questions to help your students comprehend the novel that move throughout the book. Also a great way to introduce When You Reach Me is included!

Educator’sGuide: Includes an ample amount of resources for you and your students. A site you will definitely want to look at it! Includes: Pre-Reading Activites, Use of Language, Thematic Questions on Friendship, Self-Identity, Family, Social Classes, Bullying, etc., Curriculum Connections & MORE!

 

Author: Rebecca Stead