Reading Response: Fantasy/Science Fiction and Mystery/Adventure

 

When You Reach Me, a 2010 Newbery Winner, is a chapter book for 10-12 year olds.  It is a story that is told in letter format and it begins as the main character, Miranda, looks back at the starting point for what is about to take place and drastically change her life.  The story told begins with a real-life conflict that two 12-year-olds have to overcome within their friendship.  However, during this conflict, strange occurrences happen beginning with a note that is sent to one of the main characters, Miranda, thus making it truly a book in the fantasy genre because of the means in which it is sent. The notes are arriving anonymously with the notion that the sender is psychic and can predict future events. The chapters successfully intertwine both fantasy and reality so that there is not a direct stopping and starting point to the story, but instead a flow of events that move between the two worlds.  While the novel includes fantastical elements,  the theme really focuses on coming-of-age.  It tests Miranda’s ability to see the difference between right and wrong and make amends with her friends, Sal. 

The setting is realistic and does not bring readers into a fantasy world; instead, readers can connect with the setting of the story because it is a natural, everyday setting that helps build the conflict and authentic characters in a meaningful way. While the setting is consistent with the real world, some everyday actions may confuse young readers because of the antiquated items mentioned throughout the story.  Although the story is set in the 1970s, this is not mentioned, so some of the elements of that decade may seem out of place. 

There are two story lines happening at the same time: Miranda is preparing her mom for a gameshow, and Miranda is struggling with friendships and the challenges she has to overcome within them, all while wondering who is sending her these anonymous notes foretelling the future.  The strange occurrences that are happening are not really questioned by the characters; while Miranda and her mother find it strange that someone places notes for Miranda to find, and people Miranda comes into contact with act erratically, there is not much concern for them.  

Each chapter is fairly short with the style of font large enough to appeal to readers who may be hesitant to take on a lengthier text.  Because the fantastical elements are embedded within the story, some readers may find themselves drawn into the story instead even more. This book does pay homage to Madeline L’Engle’s book A Wrinkle in Time, a classic for children, so a reader of that text may find it easier to make connections to and understand When You Reach Me. 

Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. Wendy Lamb Books. July 2009. 208 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0385737425.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes is an intriguing chapter book that tells a story within a story.  The main characters are young foxes–kits–and there are seven who want to hear the scariest story possible.  Their mother denies them a scary story and warns them not to go into the forest to see the mysterious storyteller.  As soon as she goes to sleep, the seven kits leave the den to find the storyteller.  This is where another story begins; upon finding the storyteller, the kits hear a story of adventure and survival.  The story teller warns them that they must stay until the end, but after each part of the story is told, the kits begin to leave the storyteller’s den one-by-one, leaving only one kit left at the end.  

The way in which the story is told–weaving in and out between the kits listening to the storyteller and the story the kits are hearing–provides the reader with answers to possible questions they may have.  Upon hearing each of the stories, when it moves back into the present time, the kits have questions, thoughts, and ideas about that section of the story, which also helps to provide these answers to the readers. 

The author does a good job of seamlessly merging these two storylines to help build the climax of the story; the reader is continually captivated by what could possibly happen within the storyteller’s story.  Although all characters within the novel are animals, the reader can connect with them because of the detailed characterization.  However, there are some terms within the novel that are specific to foxes and their habitats, but this does not distract the reader from the overall story. A few black and white sketched illustrations are included within the pages.  While this does not help the reader to understand the events taking place, it does provide a fairytale-like element to the story. 

When the kits enter the storyteller’s den, the storyteller tells them they must stay until the end; otherwise, they will leave the den with scary thoughts in their minds.  While most kits do leave throughout his telling of the story, this “warning” at the beginning helps to create suspense for the readers because they, too, are interested in why this warning is given.  Each part of the story is different which adds to the conflict.  At times, the kits find themselves happy and free roaming through the forest and other times they have a fight for survival.  It is necessary for the kits–and the young readers of the novel–to find out what happens at the end of the story, and the author does a nice job of keeping the attention of the reader.  While the intended audience is 8-12 year olds, it seems as though the length of the book, the smaller font, and the terminology associated with the animals would be more appropriate for 11-12 year olds.  

McKay Heidicker, Christian. Scary Stories for Young Foxes. Square Fish. August 2021. 336 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-1250250445.