Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartbreaking tale deals with love, loss, second chances.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In YOU'VE REACHED SAM, 17-year-old Julie Clarke's life is drastically changed when her boyfriend, Sam, dies and she isn't given a chance to say goodbye. Heartbroken and unable to process her grief, Julie does everything to erase Sam from her life. She skips his funeral, gets rid of all his things, and deletes every text message and voicemail she has from Sam. But what happens when Julie calls Sam's phone and he picks up? How will Julie use her second chance to say goodbye, and will she be able to let him go?
Is It Any Good?
Dustin Thao's heartbreaking novel tackles love, loss, regret, and second chances while reminding teens that they'd don't have to grieve alone. At times, Julie is so consumed by her grief that she fails to see how deeply others are hurting. And while readers never find out why she and Sam can communicate, they'll appreciate the way Julie sacrifices her connection with Sam to help his family and friends heal. As You've Reached Sam progresses and Julie finds a way to say goodbye to Sam, teens will understand the importance of gratitude, compassion, empathy, and communication.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of loss in You've Reached Sam. What books have you read in which the main character has lost someone they loved? In what ways do the characters react the same way? In what ways do they react differently?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
How do the characters demonstrate compassion, gratitude, empathy, and communication? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Wednesday Books
- Publication date : November 9, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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