Friday, November 22, 2013

Book Review - When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books (Random House), 2009)



Madeleine, 13, Cockermouth, UK



The front cover of this book, featuring a shoe, bread bag, winter jacket, library book, Miranda's school, a key, Miranda's apartment, two-dollar bills and a mailbox are all important plot elements in the novel.

Written through the eyes of 1970's American latchkey kid, Miranda, When you Reach Me is the second provocative novel from Newbery Award-winning author Rebecca Stead.

A twist of science fiction and mystery, it depicts the story of a twelve year old's struggle with not only adolescence but the mysterious notes hidden in her household possessions from 'the stranger' requesting her help,  'when you reach me'.

After being attacked by the boy on the corner, Miranda's best friend, Sal deserts her.  The appearance of the mad homeless man who slept beneath her letterbox and her mother's attempts to gain wealth frame Miranda's experience of a series of events that leads her to uncover the haunting and deceptively innocent past of 'the stranger'; and, indeed, the future...



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