When You Reach Me

By: Rebecca Stead

Narrated by: Cynthia Holloway

Four mysterious letters change Miranda's world forever.....

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them 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.

©2009 Rebecca Stead (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"[W]hen all the sidewalk characters from Miranda's Manhattan world converge amid mind-blowing revelations and cunning details, teen readers will circle back to the beginning and say,'Wow... cool.'" (Kirkus Reviews)

"[T]he mental gymnastics required of readers are invigorating; and the characters, children, and adults are honest bits of humanity no matter in what place or time their souls rest." (Booklist)

Good Read

I read this because my student had to read it. He said it was boring. It had a slow beginning but steadily improved. I found the story predictable but I'm not sure I would have had the same thoughts as a 10 year old. It leaves me wondering what Sal needed to do in the intervening years.

Great book

This is a must read and don’t skip to the end trust me also you’ll get a kick out of it

Book

I had to read this book for a a test and I did not thing I was going to like it but I enjoyed reading this book

When you reach me review

I loved this book because I thought it was mysterious. It had an action mystery, love, suspense, and so much more. I don’t know how you came up with this plot but it is a page turner. I loved the part about the mystery in every note the laughing man wrote. I was confused, excited, and surprised all at the same time. I could also connect with the main character. I almost felt as if I was her. I am definitely reading another one of your books. Thank you for this amazing read.

I LOVED IT WITH ALL OF MY HEART!!! (Don’t read if you have read the book ;)

My English teacher assigned me this book to read and answer questions. I can’t tell you how much I LOVED it!!! I loved it because it was well read by Cynthia, and most of the books I listen to are with people breathing heavily or really swallowing there spit. So I’m so happy my teacher showed me this, and my favorite part was the ending where Miranda and Colin become a couple :D

One of mh favorite stories

I even like the title, and let me imagine my time travel and letters. I actually like the way Miranda's mother speaks.

Nice book but..

It’s a good story line and a good story it’s self but the person who’s reading it is VARY monotone through ok the untied book 🤖

How I think about the book

Great book highly recommend very interesting and different loved it 5 stars ⭐ liked the person reading sounded clear.

Good book

This book held my third and fifth grade boys' attentions. We'd wait before going into the school to finish some parts of the book.

love this book!

Never expected the ending. The narrator dies a great job with different voices. I'd recommend this book.