Mysterious Notes Appear

In 1979 New York City, twelve-year-old Miranda finds mysterious notes predicting future events. The notes claim to be from someone trying to save her friend Sal's life. As her mother prepares to compete on a game show, Miranda is drawn into the mystery of the notes, which seem to defy time and space. The notes ask her to write a letter detailing events that have not yet occurred, leaving her both intrigued and frightened.

Sal's Sudden Distance

Sal, Miranda's best friend, suddenly starts avoiding her after being punched by a boy named Marcus. This incident marks the beginning of Sal's withdrawal, leaving Miranda confused and hurt. She navigates her school life, forming new friendships with Annemarie and Colin, while trying to understand Sal's behavior and the significance of the notes.

Time Travel Theories

Miranda encounters Marcus, who shares his fascination with time travel, sparking her curiosity. He explains complex theories that challenge her understanding of time. Meanwhile, Miranda continues to receive notes that seem to predict future events, deepening the mystery and her connection to Marcus.

The Laughing Man's Secret

The Laughing Man, a homeless figure on Miranda's street, is revealed to be a future version of Marcus. He has traveled back in time to save Sal from a fatal accident. This revelation ties together the notes, Marcus's theories, and the events leading up to the present, as Miranda realizes the Laughing Man's purpose.

The $20,000 Pyramid

As Miranda's mother competes on "The $20,000 Pyramid", the tension of the notes and the impending danger to Sal reaches a climax. The game show serves as a backdrop to the unfolding mystery, with Miranda's mother's success symbolizing hope and resolution.

A Hero's Sacrifice

In a dramatic turn of events, the Laughing Man sacrifices himself to save Sal from being hit by a truck. This act of heroism fulfills the purpose of the notes and confirms the time travel theory. Miranda witnesses the event, understanding the depth of the Laughing Man's sacrifice and the interconnectedness of their lives.

Understanding Time's Loop

With the mystery resolved, Miranda reflects on the events and the nature of time. She writes the letter requested in the notes, acknowledging the Laughing Man's role in saving Sal and the impact of the experience on her understanding of friendship, time, and destiny.

Characters

Miranda

Miranda is a twelve-year-old girl navigating the complexities of friendship and time travel. Her journey is marked by her attempts to understand the mysterious notes and her evolving relationships with those around her, particularly Sal and Marcus.

Sal

Sal is Miranda's childhood friend who suddenly distances himself after being punched by Marcus. His withdrawal is a catalyst for Miranda's journey, and his life is ultimately saved by the Laughing Man's sacrifice.

Marcus

Marcus is a brilliant but socially awkward boy fascinated by time travel. He inadvertently causes Sal's initial distress but later becomes the Laughing Man, traveling back in time to save Sal's life, demonstrating his growth and heroism.

The Laughing Man

The Laughing Man is a mysterious homeless figure revealed to be Marcus from the future. His presence and actions are central to the story's resolution, as he sacrifices himself to save Sal, fulfilling the purpose of the notes.

Annemarie

Annemarie becomes Miranda's friend after Sal's withdrawal. She is kind and supportive, providing Miranda with companionship and helping her navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Julia

Julia is initially seen as an antagonist but is later revealed to have a deep connection with Annemarie. Her understanding of time travel concepts aids Miranda's comprehension of the notes' significance.

Miranda's Mom

Miranda's mother is focused on winning "The $20,000 Pyramid" to improve their lives. Her determination and love for Miranda provide stability and support throughout the story.

Richard

Richard is a kind and steady presence in Miranda's life. His relationship with Miranda's mom adds warmth and humor to the story, and he plays a role in the family's eventual happiness.

Plot Devices

Time Travel

Time travel is the key plot device that drives the story. It connects the characters across different timelines and is the mechanism through which the Laughing Man saves Sal, highlighting themes of destiny and sacrifice.

Mysterious Notes

The notes serve as a narrative device that foreshadows future events and guides Miranda's actions. They create suspense and intrigue, leading to the revelation of the Laughing Man's identity and purpose.

The $20,000 Pyramid

The game show represents the possibility of change and improvement in Miranda's life. It serves as a backdrop to the unfolding mystery and symbolizes the culmination of the characters' journeys and growth.

Analysis

"When You Reach Me" delves into the complexities of time travel and its impact on relationships and personal growth. The story examines how seemingly small actions can have significant consequences, emphasizing the interconnectedness of lives across time. Through Miranda's journey, the narrative explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the courage to face the unknown. The book challenges readers to consider the nature of time and the power of love and understanding in shaping our destinies.

Last updated: November 19, 2024