When You Reach Me

Written by Rebecca Stead
Copyright ©2009
Published by Wendy Lamb Books
 Stead, Rebecca, and Kate Gartner. When You Reach Me. New York, New York: Wendy Lamb, 2009. Print.

Interest Level: Grades 6-8
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.8
Lexie Reading Level: 750L
Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading: W
DRA: 60

Awards: Newbery Award Winner 2010

Description:
Four notes change Miranda's life forever. This witty and touching story follows a young girl in the 1970's learning about friendship and time travel.

5 words/phrases to describe the book: Mystery, Science Fiction, Friendship, Coming of Age, Change.

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud to Grades 5&6

Technology to Enhance Learning:

An important part of the book is the concept of the $20,000 pyramid. Because the book takes place in the 70's students will most likely not know what this game show is. Before or during reading a good idea would be to show short clips of the game show so students can understand why Miranda's mother is studying for the game show. Here are two shot clips. One of the beginning round and one of the winners circle.










Before During and After Reading Strategies:

Before Reading have the students look at the cover of the book. Read to them the author's summary and ask them to write what they think this book will be about using evidence from the cover and description.

During Reading have students write predictions as to who is sending Miranda notes. This can be written in their writing journal of they have one.

After Reading
Here I have created a Voki. www.voki.com is a website where you can create an avatar that delivers a message. Students can create their own or you can use it to give directions in a creative way. In this Voki I created a prompt for students.

After reading When You Reach Me students should create an argument telling someone why they should read the book. This will serve as an exit slip. This enhances comprehension and writing because students at this age are starting persuasive writing and recommending a book makes the students think about the major events in the book and why they are significant.

Vocabulary:
Starches:a substance that is found in certain foods (such as bread, rice, and potatoes)
Clove: the dried flower bud of a tropical tree, used as a pungent aromatic spice.
Hypnotizing:capture the whole attention of (someone); fascinate.
Knapsack: a bag with shoulder straps, carried on the back, and typically made of canvas or other weatherproof material.
Diagram:a simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something; a schematic representation.
Categories: a class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics.
Admires: regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval.