When You Reach Me

What does Miranda learn about Julia, Annemarie, Marcus, and Sal, respectively? How does she act differently towards each of them once she understands them better?

The chapter titles throughout this story frequently serve to draw bigger connections across ideas. Choose three chapter titles and explain the meaning behind each.

Miranda experiences a moment of realization when all the clues come together for her and she figures out that Marcus is the laughing man. How was the laughing man’s identity foreshadowed throughout the story? What hints are offered for readers before Miranda solves the puzzle?

Time travel is a common theme in science fiction. Which characters in this story believe in time travel, and how do they explain it in different ways?

Miranda’s mother prepares for her April 27 appearance on The $20,000 Pyramid throughout the novel. Explain why this subplot is important to the overall story.

Explain how race and socioeconomic class contribute to assumptions characters make about one another in this story. Which characters change their minds about their original assumptions? What leads to these changes in perspective?

Although hints are left throughout the story as to the laughing man’s role and identity, there are moments when readers might be inclined to think someone else is behind the mysterious notes. What misleading hints does the author leave about who might be writing the mysterious letters? How does this contribute to the suspense of the novel?

Miranda asserts that most people she’s afraid of “are actually very friendly” (26). How do characters demonstrate they are good or friendly people in this story? Which characters are not “actually very friendly”?