In the Library With A Candlestick

Stead, R. (2009). When you reach me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Genres: Space and Time, Science-Fiction, Puzzle , Mystery

Summary: The year is 1978. Miranda is an average twelve-year-old growing up in New York City. Strange things begin to happen after she finds a note tucked into her library book from an anonymous sender. “I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.”

Who is this stranger that continues to send Miranda notes and predict events in her life that only she would know? Meanwhile, Miranda has to deal with a lot of personal problems: her best friend won’t speak to her, her mother is preoccupied by practicing to be a game-show contestant, and, for the first time, Miranda has a crush, but he might prefer someone else.

Throughout the story, Miranda encounters people, objects, events and information that appear random and unimportant. Suddenly, in a tragic turn of events, all of the pieces come together, and she knows what she has to do. When You Reach Me is an engaging, thought-provoking novel, and fully deserving of the 2010 Newberry Medal.

Notes:
Winner of the Newberry Medal 2010