When you reach me

By Rebecca Stead
Publisher: Random House Children's Book
Copyright: 2010

This story takes place in the Upper West Side of New York City in 1979 and it follows the main character Miranda whom is in sixth grade. One day she receives a strange note saying, I am coming to save your friend’s life and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter. As the novel progresses she receives three more notes with requests. The novel contains three story lines: the appearance of Miranda’s mom on The 20,000 Pyramid, Miranda best friend Sal suddenly not talking with Miranda and the appearance of a laughing man. The stories conclusion is all three plots come together to reveal that the laughing man is Miranda’s friend Marcus who has come from the future to save Sal from an early death. Central themes in the novel include independence, redemption, and friendship. The story is inspired by Rebecca Stead favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time which the main character Miranda is often reading.

Suggested Delivery: Guided Reading


Lexile Level: 750L 

Key Vocabulary: allegations, truce, teleporting, racist, latchkey, conspiracy, epilepsy

Web Resources:

Meet the Author: Students can learn about the author and her upcoming books. http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/

Guide for teaching: On page 28 there is a guide for teaching this novel http://www.dcfaward.org/Activities/dcfbookreviews&questions10-11.pdf

Comprehension Strategies:

During Reading: Since this book has many plots and little details that are 

key to understanding the book, have students complete while they are reading a concept map. 

After Reading: Complete a popcorn review with students; begin by asking students At the end, do you think all the pieces of the puzzle come together? Is there anything that still confuses you?


Writing: Rebecca Stead makes time traveling possible in this novel. If you could travel to a certain time, where would it be? Describe the details behind that place and your reasoning to why you picked there.