When You Reach Me

Bibliographic Information (APA): Stead, R. (2009). When You Reach Me.New York, Ny: Yearling Newberry.

Brief Annotation: This is a realistic fiction novel about friendship. Miranda and her best friend Sal reach a tough spot after Sal is punched in the stomach. Miranda spends her sixth grade year making new friends and trying to rekindle her relationship with Sal all while navigating the streets of New York City.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Grade Level: 4th-5th

Readers who will like this: Children that have lost friends or any child who likes to read about things that could really happen.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; This book was wonderfully written. Miranda is a girl that many girls in sixth grade could identify with. Feeling as though she never fits, in her best friend Sal has been a constant in her life. When Sal stops speaking to her she is forced to make new friends. The ending of this book is thought provoking and unexpected. This is a great read.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever had to make new friends?

Reading Strategies Connection:

Sketch to stretch:

This is a great activity to help recognize themes in a particular book. After reading the book the children are given the opportunity to write in a journal ands reflect on the themes. The teacher will gather the children in a group to discuss the themes that they found. The children will then break into small groups and use one sheet of paper to make an illustration about a particular theme. The children will draw what they think represents the theme of the book. When the children are done the teacher will gather them together again to share and discuss. The children will see that there are many interpretations for a book as well as no right or wrong answer.