If you’re anything like me, you’ve already heard about a million great recommendations for Rebecca Stead’s WHEN YOU REACH ME, and that can be a bit of a double-edged sword. The great reviews made me really, REALLY want to read the book, but they also set up what I worried might be unrealistic expectations. Could it really be THAT amazing?
It could. And it is.
These young characters, growing up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, are reminiscent of Judy Blume’s families in TALES OF FOURTH GRADE NOTHING and the FUDGE series. They’re authentic, multi-faceted, funny, and real. Their story of friendship and first crushes and first jobs would have been enough to win me over. But then the letter comes. When main character Miranda reads it, she she learns that a mysterious someone says he or she is coming to save her friend’s life, and the story evolves from a coming of age tale into a mystery/science fiction, genre-bending marvel. At the heart of WHEN YOU REACH ME is a thread about time travel — the possibilities, the what-if and the how-might-we, and the sheer wonder of believing. When I finished, I wanted to pick it up immediately and start reading all over again.
This is going to be the first book that I share with my middle school students as a read-aloud in the fall. I absolutely, positively can’t wait.
Editing to add: I loaned my copy of WHEN YOU REACH ME to
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, who has also posted a recommendation today. Hers is longer and way more detailed because she is like that and also makes fancy little place cards when you go to her house for dinner. You can read her thoughts here.
Kate, I finished this yesterday and felt the same way! I can’t wait to share it with students. I’m ready to read it again! It’s really good!
I think (fingers crossed) we are going to have Rebecca for an author visit in early March if all works out with schedules.
That would be exciting! I’d love to meet her.
Great review! I’ll have to keep an eye out for this one. My best friend teaches 9th grade English, so it sounds like it’d be great to pass along to her too.
I’m really looking forward to reading this one, but now MY expectations are high!! 🙂
Me, Too!
How funny – I just posted the review I wrote about the same novel. I know our kids are going to love this book. It is too bad we can’t do it at the same time!
I adored this book!
It’s intended for readers a little younger, I think, but it’s definitely one of those books that people any age can love.
You won’t be disappointed!
Re: Me, Too!
I’m so excited to teach it!
Wasn’t it just wonderful? I’m so excited to start sharing it with kids!
Sounds amazing — I’m going to look for it 🙂
You will love it. Just given what you like, I can tell you already. Read it!
I love that you read aloud to your students. And this sounds great. I plan to add it to the pile on tomorrow’s trip into town.
I keep hearing “AMAZING” need to read!
Oh good! I know you’ll love it!
Yep – put it on your list. You’ll love it!
Well I never heard of it before, but it sounds great. I’m going to look for it. Is it a middle grade novel?
I put a hold on it 🙂
It’s officially middle grade, but it’s one of those middle grade novels that’s kind of ageless – meaning people of all different ages are going to be swept away by it, at least in my opinion. I loved it.
When you reach me
I really loved this book, and hope that others will read it too! She is a great writer, and relates in SOME real life situations, but not all!
Re: When you reach me
I loved the mix of reality & science fiction in this book, too.