WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead
How do you accurately describe this book? A medal winner—it received the Newbery
Award-- historical fiction—set in New York, 1979-- sci fi—if you’re a fan of WRINKLE IN
TIME, this book is referenced throughout—but most of all, a coming-of-age book—all
wrapped around a great mystery.
Now I need you to help me describe the plot. (Give out slips. Tell rules—person may be
a strange character, etc.—we’re all kind to each other… Call on each person to
stand. Read description of character).
Miranda—You’ve received three notes that tell you someone is trying to save your
friend’s life and his own—but no details. The person who’s sent the notes seems to
know about events that haven’t happened yet. This is impossible!
Laughing Man—You’re the homeless man who keeps practicing kicks and sleeps with
your head under the mailbox. You say strange things like, “What was the burn scale
today?” and, “They should have had the dome up.” Are you harmless or should Miranda
be afraid?
Sal—You were friends with Miranda but the day you were punched by a kid you didn’t
know, you stopped being Miranda’s friend. Why?
Marcus—You punched Sal for no apparent reason. You’re one smart kid—but why
would you hurt someone you’d never even met?
Julia—You’re a rich, outspoken girl who seems to have had it in for Miranda since way
back in kindergarten. What’s your problem?
Annemarie—You were Julia’s friend until the big argument. Now you’re Miranda’s
friend—but can you really be friends with a girl who’s got no money?
Colin—You talk Miranda and Annemarie into taking a job at a sub shop. Which girl are
you really interested in?
Jimmy –You run the sub shop and have hired Colin, Annemarie and Miranda as
lunchtime help. You keep a Flintstone bank filled with $2.00 bills that someone’s ripped
off. Who do you think stole the bank?
Miranda’s Mom—You hate your job and are hoping to become a contestant on the
game show, $20,000 Pyramid so that you can quit and make some big changes in your
life. How could the person who’s writing the notes know the exact date you will appear
on the show?
A mystery that involves a game show, friends lost, new friends found, all mixed up in
time. What role do you play in this mystery?
(Have slips printed for each class period. That way you won’t have to worry about
collecting the slips.—Adele Merti)
Characters:
Miranda Laughing Man Sal
Marcus Julia Annemarie
Colin Jimmy Miranda’s Mom