In 1970s New York City, Miranda is a sixth grader with a single mom who is preparing to be a contestant on The $20,000 Pyramid game show. Miranda and her best friend Sal are quite independent for their age, and they normally walk home from school together. However, Sal begins slowly drifting apart from Miranda, and their friendship begins to change. This isn't the only thing Miranda has to deal with - her mom's extra apartment key goes missing. She also receives a mysterious note that says, "I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own." Other cryptic notes follow, and Miranda comes closer and closer to solving the mystery of who sent the notes and whose life needs saving.
When You Reach Me is the 2010 Newbery Medal winner, and I can see why it deserved that honor. It is a book that defies genre. There are elements of realistic fiction, science fiction, and mystery. The book kept me in suspense all the way to the end as I tried to solve the mystery along with Miranda. Although it is a children's book, the fascinating story and the genuine characters will appeal to readers of all ages. Miranda's character grows a lot over the course of the story, and she learns some valuable insights about friendships both old and new.
Check status at GPL or place the book on hold. (Also available as an audiobook.)
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