When You Reach Me

Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighbourhood. 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. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realises that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that haven't 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.

When You Reach Me is a story about friendship and time. It's an intriguing puzzle with pieces that fit together in the most intricate and unexpected ways.

Rebecca Stead lives in New York City with her husband and their two sons. Following her debut novel, First Light, she won the Newbery Medal - the world's oldest children's book award - for When You Reach Me.

'One of the best children's books I have ever read and books of this sort do not drop out of the sky every day. They don't even drop out of the sky every year.' School Library Journal

'From beginning to end, When You Reach Me is a delight.' Sydney Morning Herald

'Stead compellingly incorporates time travel and mystery into everyday children's issues of school, friendship and family.' Sunday Telegraph

'It is the true gift of the story-teller to take such age old themes and issues and shine a light on them in such a way that it appears brand new.' Magpies