It Will Reach You

Back in the fall my writing buddy Rebecca Stead lent me the ARC of her second book that was coming out this summer. It’s a terrific story, as is her first book FIRST LIGHT, and I read it in one sitting, then told her all about how much I loved it and how I was sure it was going to get lots of good attention. Turns out I’m a genius because man, is WHEN YOU REACH ME getting attention! I mean real attention. You can’t look at a blog about Newbery possibilities without seeing her book mentioned as a big contender and it got five stars. Five! You can’t get more than that. As a result of this there are all kinds of fun ads for the book on the SLJ website, a spread in their magazine and a feature in Time Out New York Kids. I think this is just the beginning too. Because the thing is, the book is so terrific it truly deserves all this attention and love. Here’s the official description:

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. 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:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not 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.

Sounds terrific, right? Today is its release date and I urge all of you to get your hands on a copy as soon as you can- because trust me, it’s that good!

* daphne grab *