Rebecca Stead’s latest novel, due for release in New Zealand next week, is based around the life of twelve year old Miranda in 1970s New York. A punch in the stomach, the fading of a friendship and a scattering of mysterious notes alter Miranda’s world. ‘When you Reach Me’ is the story of how she resolves it all. Reviewed by Renee Stead of Stead & Daughters Ltd

Admittedly I am not the widest read in Young Adult literature. I perceived it a mishmash of coming-of-age-science-fiction-vampire-and-fallen-angels-love. But my recent encounter with Rebecca Stead’s ‘When You Reach Me’ has revolutionised such perceptions.

The first three reasons I implore you all to read the book are:

1. It has just won the 2010 John Newbery Medal for outstanding children’s literature. This is part of the American Library Association awards, which are considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of children’s book awards.

2. The author is an R STEAD becoming world-renowned in the book world. Go R Steads of the world I say.

3. The cover is great – a persuasive ingredient for any reader dubious of YA fiction.

(Plus, there was no mention of vampires or fallen angels in the synopsis. Another persuasive ingredient).

The book has been meticulously crafted. It weaves strands of day to day life with more reflective theories of existence, back and forward, weft and warp in a seamless manner. That it can be read on varying levels, and by varying age groups is testament to its brilliance. Some kids will read it and love it solely for its quick plot, likeable characters and surprising ending. Others will read it in much the same way as the protagonist, Miranda, read’s her favourite book – over and over each time with a deeper search for understanding.

The work still envelops an air of mystery and fantasy to soothe all those souls out there who want some sci-fi on their young adult shelf. But it is quirky and charming in a way that will still leave OA (older adults – in comparison to the Young Adult level the book is pitched at) deciphering what enigmas riddle the life of twelve-year-old Miranda.

And then there is the simplicity of the structure, the swiftness of the plot, the shock of an ending. Not to mention the delicious slices of dry humour.

Does it all sound too good to be true? It isn’t. The only fault I can mention is that in my version there are two full-stops missing. But I implore you further: read the book. Recommend it to your students. The first page will have you hooked – and from there on in you can work out what is true and what isn’t – for yourself.