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Chapter 43: Things That Turn Upside Down
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in When You Reach Me, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Friendship
Coming of Age
Nonjudgment
Second Chances
Survival and Support
Summary
Analysis
Miranda goes to Julia’s house after school the next day to make a practice cake. Miranda calls Mom three times at work with questions, since Julia’s mother is in her walk-in closet meditating and must not be disturbed. In Julia’s pink, girly bedroom (which doesn’t just have carpet but an attached, private bathroom, too), Miranda notices a much-loved copy of A Wrinkle in Time on the nightstand. Miranda mentions her Christmas gift from Richard and Julia is jealous. She likes the clothing and jewelry her parents give her, but they don’t seem to notice or support her as a person, at least not the way Richard and Mom do for Miranda. Despite the TV in Julia’s bedroom, Miranda suddenly realizes that their lives aren’t that different. Her mother may be home, but Julia lives like a latchkey kid anyway. At least Miranda can call Mom at work.
Initially, Miranda’s plan was to help make peace between Julia and Annemarie, but as she lets down her guard and actually gets to know Julia, it’s clear that the girls have the potential to forge a friendship of their own. Her willingness to take a risk and give Julia a second chance is paying off. For one thing, they share a favorite book. (Remember that A Wrinkle in Time was also a catalyst in Miranda and Marcus’s budding friendship.) For another, Julia’s life looks a lot less perfect up close. She may have financial and material advantages that Miranda can only dream about, but she lacks the varied and resilient emotional connections that Miranda enjoys not only with her mom but with other caregiving figures, like Belle and Richard.
Active
Themes
