When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead Wins 2010 Newbery Medal
Novel Explores Time Travel and Will Be a Hit with Tweens and Adults Alike
You are probably familiar with many Newbery winners, either from your own childhood or from your children's: Johnny Tremain, Island of the Blue Dolphins, A Wrinkle in Time, Sounder, Bridge to Terabithia, Shiloh, and The Giver were all recipients. In recent years, the picks have tended to be more politically correct and less likely to entice the children the award was instituted to guide.
When You Reach Me, 2010 Newbery Medal Winner
That changes with When You Reach Me. I was pleased to discover this book before it won its award. While browsing through the book order forms my kids brought home, I thought that this book showed promise. I checked it out from the library, and sure enough - it was a winner. My 12-year-old daughter agreed.
The author, Rebecca Stead, informs us of her love for previous winner A Wrinkle in Time, and that book even plays a role in this one. Both books deal with a bit of science fiction and time travel, but don't let that stop you if you're not a sci-fi junkie: I'm not either, and this book is excellent.
The premise: if you could go back and change something in your life, would you do it? What if you actually could?
The story is set in New York City in the 1970s and tells us the tale of 12-year-old Miranda, who is growing up with a single mom, several friends, and the typical life challenges that come with being a sixth grader. The chapters are ambiguously named, and the cover of the book features several small drawings that seem to make no sense - until you read the book.
When You Reach Me will draw you in. It's also one of those books that will make you want to go back once you reach the end, so that you can find the clues now that you know what's coming.
The book is suitable for kids, being mercifully free of profanity and romance. Get it for your favorite preteen - and then hopefully she'll let you borrow it as well.
SOURCES:
Finding Dulcinea: When You Reach Me Wins Newbery Medal
Published by Susan Braun - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment
Susan Braun is a freelance writer with special interests in education, the arts and music. She freelances for several sites, and is one of Associated Content s Top 1000 Sources for each year from 2008 to 201... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentGreat work!!
Nice! I will look for this on my son's order forms. Thanks for the heads up! :)
This is on our 'must read' list. :)
I'm always looking for a good book to read!
Sounds good!