When You Reach Me , by Rebecca Stead, 3.5 stars [bwf,Steeplechase]

[NancyJ]

When You Reach Me is a popular Newbery Award Winner set in New York City. The story has an interesting time element, but it is not a typical time travel story. The book is written for a middle grades audience, but many adults like it too. I never totally bought into the story, but it builds well to a strong ending. I might have enjoyed this more at a different time, when I wasn’t comparing it to adult literary fiction.

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.