I did enjoy When You Reach Me.
It was well-written and the characters were drawn sympathetically.
The ending was satisfying and resolved all the the time-slip stuff in a way that made you go “uh-ha – of course – now I get it!”
But despite all the things it had going for it (including New York in the 70’s and copious mentions of A Wrinkle in Time) it failed to move me beyond the appreciation level.
I can see why this book (and author) is popular with teachers. She ticks all the right boxes. But that extra spark that I look for in a book was missing here – I can’t remember the names of the characters even though I only finished it yesterday – it took me several weeks to read as I kept putting it down in favour of other more gripping stories and I didn’t learn anything new.
This would be a great book to give as a present to a 10+ girl that you don’t know very well – her parents wont be offended by anything about it and the young girl will enjoy it (she just wont love it).
Miranda is an ordinary sixth grader, until she starts receiving mysterious messages from somebody who 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.
bronasbooks.com 