When You Reach Me
2009 by
on Goodreads (112,724)
What’s inside...
When You Reach Me is a science fiction and mystery novel set in the late 1970s in New York City. It follows the story of a sixth-grader named Miranda who starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. The notes lead her to believe that she must prevent a tragic death that will occur unless she can decipher the clues in time. As Miranda navigates her daily life, dealing with friendship issues, her mother's preparation for a game show, and the dynamics of her neighborhood, she also tries to understand the connection between the notes and her own life. The novel is heavily influenced by Madeleine L'Engle's 'A Wrinkle in Time' and ultimately reveals a complex narrative that involves time travel and the interconnection of multiple characters' lives. The story culminates in Miranda understanding the importance of human connection, the nature of time, and her role in altering one's fate.
Why read this book
- Mystery intertwined with historical and scientific elements.
- Enhances cognitive skills through complex time-travel plots.
- Encourages empathy through diverse character interactions.
- Supports emotional and intellectual growth in readers.
The Big Picture
- Explore friendship's role through engaging storytelling.
- Enhance empathy with complex characters and scenarios.
- Discuss real-life ethical dilemmas using book’s events.
- Stimulate critical thinking with mystery and science fiction elements.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse characters in 1970s New York setting.
- Highlights socioeconomic diversity through protagonist's experiences.
- Promotes inclusivity and respect among different characters.
Book in series
#1
Age
10-12
Length
199 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think Miranda keeps receiving mysterious notes, and how do they impact her actions throughout the story?
What connections can you make between Miranda's relationships with her friends and family and your own relationships?
How does time travel play a role in the story, and what are your thoughts on how it affects the characters' lives?
What lessons do you think Miranda learns by the end of the book, and what lessons have you learned from reading this story?
How do you think understanding and empathy are demonstrated in the book, and why are they important in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start discussions by personalizing questions; this can help children connect more deeply with the themes. For example, ask how they would feel if they were in Miranda’s shoes.
Encourage children to express their feelings about the book's events and characters, fostering an emotional connection to the story.
Use the mysterious elements of the story to spark curiosity, asking hypothetical questions about the notes and time travel to enhance critical thinking.
After discussing the book, engage in related activities that can help bring the story to life, like creating a timeline or drawing a favorite scene.
Encourage children to relate the story's themes to their own experiences, reinforcing understanding and empathy.
What parents love
Perfect blend of mystery and life lessons.
Captivating plot, kept my child eager to read more.
Handled complex topics elegantly, very age-appropriate.
Promotes critical thinking and imagination.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The protagonist, Miranda, navigates her friendships amidst the complexities of her life, showing the value of trust and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cherish and maintain their friendships, understanding how crucial camaraderie and support are in real life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Miranda's interactions with a homeless man, pivotal to the plot, teach her to look beyond appearances and understand deeper personal stories.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy, to consider others' backgrounds and experiences before making judgments.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-identity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Miranda explores and cements her own identity, learning to stand up for herself and her beliefs.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to be confident in who they are and to express themselves authentically in various social settings.
Example Lesson: Accepting change
Explanation: Miranda learns to accept the changes in her life, such as her mother’s relationship and her shifting friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a natural part of life and adapting to it is a skill that benefits their emotional growth.
Example Lesson: Problem solving
Explanation: The mystery elements of the story require Miranda to use critical thinking and deductive reasoning to understand the events happening around her.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use logical thinking and problem-solving skills in their daily challenges and inquiries.