A review of When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

There is a lot of rubbishy material out here for teens to read. Much of it is para- or normal romance for girls, or violent action for boys. Rarely does a novel even attempt to bridge the gender gap, let alone treat its readers with respect.

Then, along comes a really fine novel like When You Reach Me, full of imagination and subtlety, real dialogue and interesting characters, plot twists and turns, and much to think about.

What is more, it references one of my favourite books, A Wrinkle in Time, throughout.

And there is the clue to the book. It is a time-traveller book, but not lost in a fantasy or science fiction genre. It is set in the 1970s in New York, but it is not trapped in the [slightly] historical fiction genre. It features some love interest, but is not schmaltzy romance. It relies on some maths and physics prowess to unravel some of the clues, but my daughter ignored those bits and still loved the book! There is a mystery involved, but it doesn't just use an intricate plot to cover up shortcomings. In fact it defies most stereotyping, which is what makes it such a find.

As she celebrated winning the most prestigious children's literature award, the Newbery Medal, this year, the author said she loved writing for teens because they were more open than older readers. "The wonderful thing about writing fiction is that you can be inspired by the real world without being limited by its facts. You are allowed to imagine and embellish."

This is only Stead's second novel, and it has already won 17 awards!

The novel begins with 12-year-old Miranda receiving mysterious notes from a stranger alluding to some future event. She is needed to do something to avert a disaster. Just when she needs her best friend Sal to help her solve the clues, he begins shutting her out of his life.

Will she be able to work out the puzzle in time?

Of course she will! Readers may be able to assist, even using the map on the cover for some clues.

What is particularly gratifying about the book is its break from the egocentric, plastic lifestyle, teen drama that is usually central to book, movie and TV fare for teens.

Miranda matures during the period of the book; and is motivated by a concern for others. She begins to see people differently rather than just labelling them. She discovers a new awareness and appreciation of those closest to her.

Stead realises that you don't have to describe the dominant culture to get kids to connect; readers want to use their imagination and envisage a better possibility.

There is also a lot of humour in this book, as well as a lot of depth. It is in some ways a book about free will; and grace; and sacrifice; and the power of love to change people and circumstances. All this without force-feeding. There are some dark themes, but that is simply realistic. Stead says there is a "basic premise of hope" throughout the book.

Well, I've finished this review and all I can suggest is: "Don't land in the broccoli!" (An obscure reference to both A Wrinkle and When You Reach Me...now you will have to read the book.)