When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead
2009, Random House
2009, Random House
Miranda, the protagonist, is writing a letters to someone unknown, who is not revealed until the end of the novel. She takes you on the adventure that she has in 6th grade in 1978 in New York City. Shortly after Miranda's friend stops talking to her and walking to and from school with her, is when Miranda then a note from the future! This starts the adventure with her new friends and mysterious, man who kids call, "the laughing man".
Mysterious Unexpected Memorable
"Readers ... are likely to find themselves chewing over the details of this
superb and intricate tale long afterward."
The Wall Street Journal
superb and intricate tale long afterward."
The Wall Street Journal
Awards & Honors:
- 2010 Newbery Medal Winner
- 2010 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction
- A New York Times Notable Book for Children
- A New York Times Bestseller
Helpful Information:
Grade Level- 6-8
Age Range- 11-14
Reading Level-Fountas and Pinnell- W
Lexile- 750L
Suggested Delivery- Indpendant or small group read
Genre- Science Fiction, Children's Literature, mystery
Age Range- 11-14
Reading Level-Fountas and Pinnell- W
Lexile- 750L
Suggested Delivery- Indpendant or small group read
Genre- Science Fiction, Children's Literature, mystery
Key Vocabulary:
- Repulsive- causing strong dislike of disgust
- Burden- someone or something at is very difficult to accept, do, or deal with
- Unpredictable- not capable of being known before happening or being done
- Warp- to twist or bend
- Assumption- something that is believed to be true of probably true but that is not known to be true (something that is assumed).
- Glare- to look directlry at someone in an angry way,
- Truce- an agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting or arguing for a certain period of time
- Terse- brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly
Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading Activity-
Ask students if they have ever written a science fiction book before. What are some themes that are seen in science fiction books. Go over themes in science fiction books with students.
During Reading Activity-
Have students answer the following questions while they are reading the novel:
- Who is the narrator of When You Reach Me, what point of view is it told from?
- When does the story take place?
- What conflicts or problems is Miranda dealing with?
- How does Miranda feel about the notes she is receiving?
- What is going on in Miranda's mom's life, who is Richard?
- Who is the "laughing man?" How do the characters in the story feel about him?
- Why did Sal stop talking to Miranda?
- What did Marcus do to Sal, how did this make Sal feel?
- Why did Miranda tell her mom about the notes?
- Why is Miranda trying to make new friends?
- Why does Julia not like Miranda?
- Why do you think Miranda keeps responding to these letters?
- Who has been writing these letters to Miranda?
After Reading Activity-
Thinking about the Genre
When You Reach Me is a science fiction novel. Have students reflect on what make When You Reach Me is a science fiction novel. This book also has the characteristics of a another genre. What make When You Reach Me realistic? How do these two genres work together to make this novel more mysterious?
When You Reach Me is a science fiction novel. Have students reflect on what make When You Reach Me is a science fiction novel. This book also has the characteristics of a another genre. What make When You Reach Me realistic? How do these two genres work together to make this novel more mysterious?
Writing Activity:
Have the students write a letter to their "future" selves. Have them predict where they will be 20 years from now, what their job may be, what the world will be like then.
Resources:
- Random House has created an great Teacher's Guide for When You Reach Me. It includes an interview with Stead, vocabulary, and activities that go along with it.
- The Junior Library Guild has written a great Reading Guide for When You Reach Me. This would make a great reading journal for students to have while reading the story.