When You Reach Me

Rebecca Stead's Newbery Medal-winning novel, "When You Reach Me," is a sophisticated blend of mystery, science fiction, and realistic fiction, perfect for readers aged 8-12. Set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in 1978-1979, the story follows sixth-grader Miranda as her life takes an unexpected turn. After a puzzling incident causes her best friend Sal to distance himself, Miranda begins receiving strange, unsigned notes that seem to predict the future. These messages hint at a tragic event and challenge Miranda to understand their meaning before it's too late. The book masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, independence, empathy, and the complexities of time, drawing comparisons to Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time." Parents will appreciate its thought-provoking plot, rich character development, and sensitive exploration of growing up and navigating change.

Winner of the 2010 John Newbery MedalFour mysterious letters change Miranda's world forever.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.From the Hardcover edition.