Middle Grades: When You Reach Me

[Harley]

When You Reach Me is the perfect coming of age tale. Filled with puzzles, plot twists, and riddles, this book is bound to get anyone, no matter the age, thinking. When a young girl is faced with a series of ethical dilemmas and events, she is forced to question the way she thinks and makes decisions. This was yet again another book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I remained interested and ready to turn the page!

As far as how I would use this book in my classroom, I would definitely pair it with A Wrinkle in Time, as that was the main character's favorite book. A Wrinkle in Time is already a fan favorite so to have them read that first and then watch as they filled in the puzzle pieces as they read When You Reach Me would just be too much fun as a teacher! This book presents a young girl making decision which effect her every day life, just like middle schoolers all across the world. I have no doubt young readers would connect to this book. What I appreciated about this book was although the diction was not too complex, the mystery of it all really will force young readers to think and explore.