You've Reached Sam
#1 in You've Reached Sam Series
on Goodreads (156,026)
What’s inside...
Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out—move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes. Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his things, and tries everything to forget him and the tragic way he died. But a message Sam left behind in her yearbook forces back memories. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cellphone just to listen to his voicemail. And Sam picks up the phone. In a miraculous turn of events, Julie’s been given a second chance at goodbye. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam’s voice makes her fall for him all over again, and with each call it becomes harder to let him go. However, keeping her otherworldly calls with Sam a secret isn’t easy, especially when Julie witnesses the suffering Sam’s family is going through. Unable to stand by the sidelines and watch their shared loved ones in pain, Julie is torn between spilling the truth about her calls with Sam and risking their connection and losing him forever.
Character compass
Julie Clarke
Sam Obayashi
Discussion points
How did reading about Julie’s journey with grief and loss make you feel?
What do you think about the idea of being able to talk to someone who has passed away, like Julie did with Sam?
How do you think Julie changed from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings when we lose someone we love?
If you could send a message to someone you missed, what would you want to tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book, emphasizing that all feelings are valid.
Discuss the concept of loss and the ways people cope with it in real life, connecting it with Julie’s experiences in the book.
Ask your child about their thoughts on the characters' decisions and actions, promoting critical thinking.
Share a personal story of dealing with loss or missing someone, to foster a deeper connection and understanding.
Guide the conversation toward the healing aspects after loss, focusing on positive takeaways and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The story centers around Julie, who learns to navigate her grief after the death of her boyfriend, Sam. Through her emotional journey, readers see the manifestations and effects of grief.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and process their feelings of loss, whether it's a family member, friend, or pet. It underscores the importance of acknowledging grief and seeking support.
Example Lesson: Value of communication
Explanation: Julie’s continuing connection to Sam through an old cell phone highlights the importance of communication in maintaining relationships. The novel showcases varied forms of expressing feelings and thoughts.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to keep open lines of communication with family and friends, teaching them to express themselves and resolve conflicts through talking.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and moving forward
Explanation: As Julie comes to terms with Sam’s death, the narrative illustrates the phases of acceptance and the difficulties in letting go. The progression provides a realistic portrayal of moving forward.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that life goes on after a loss and that it's okay to find happiness again, guiding them in managing transitions and changes in life.
Example Lesson: Cherishing memories
Explanation: Julie cherishes her memories with Sam, which aids her healing process. The emphasis is on how memories can provide comfort and a sense of continuity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to cherish good memories with loved ones and use them as a source of comfort and connection, teaching them to appreciate their relationships and experiences.
Example Lesson: Support systems
Explanation: Throughout Julie's journey, the importance of having a support system is evident as friends and family play crucial roles in helping her cope. This reflects the communal aspect of healing.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of giving and receiving support during tough times and encourages them to be empathetic and present for others in their time of need.