When You Reach Me by Rebecca SteadBook 89 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 21 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 4 of 5 for the Book Awards III Reading Challenge
Awards & Praise: Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers" 2009; Amazon Best of the Month, July 2009; Starred Reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine, Publisher's Weekly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So, I'm going to try and not let my gushing get too out of control. But I loved, loved, loved this book. Not only will it be a favorite for 2009, but probably an all-time favorite. It's a juvenile book, but don't let that deter you. Just go get it.
Miranda is a sixth grader growing up in New York City in the late 1970s. She's essentially a latchkey kid but she has savvy street smarts. Strange things have been happening to Miranda that have her unnerved. I don't want to say too much, but her worries have something to do with a missing key, mysterious notes, and a mentally-unstable man who stands on the corner.
This book was like an intricate puzzle. I couldn't see the whole picture as I was reading it, but as the final pieces went in, I was amazed by how it all looked. I even cried. I don't own this book, but I will soon. I can't wait to reread it, and I can't wait to share it with my kids. (End of gushing.)
I would recommend this book for 5th grade and up. The word 'hell' is used twice and it is a coming-of-age type story. In reality, the older you are reading it, I think the more you'll get out of it. But before you read it, it will help if you've read A Wrinkle in Time and watched at least one episode of The $20,000 Pyramid at some point during your life.
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Source: Library
9 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful book! I'll get it for my 12 year old.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Just picked it up from the library... can't wait to read it!
This one sounds wonderful! It sounds like a need to get my hands on a copy of it.
I have been checking my library catalog for this on a nearly daily basis. They finally have it in the catalog and I have a hold on it. Now I just have to wait for it to come in! I've heard such good things about it that I am tempted to just go out and buy it so I can get it read.
Glad you enjoyed. I read this earlier this year as well, though I didn't review it.
Your gushing has sold me on this book. I'm ready to read it: I've read wrinkle in Time and seen Pyramid.
okay, okay. i've just put this on hold at the library. i'll definitely be reading it. thanks for the recommendation!
You got me before you even got to the description of the book. It's on my list - thanks!
I keep hearing this is great, it's on my list:)
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