When You Reach Me
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 11+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
At its center a man gives his life to save a boy, and a self-absorbed girl learns to see the people around her. Delibris, a Catholic review site, praises how it teaches attention to others. The honest reservations: Mom's boyfriend is implied to stay overnight, Mom steals from work, and God's name is misused a few times.
For parents
Read aloud from 10, independent reading from 11. Common Sense Media says 9 and up, but the home life needs framing. Ask why the laughing man runs into the street. Ask what Jesus says about laying down your life for a friend (John 15:13), and why marriage matters before living together.