When You Reach Me Chapter 8 Summary

Mom's Rules for Life in New York City

• Miranda lists Mom's rules for living in New York City: have your keys out, avoid strangers, and never show your money.
• Miranda has her own trick: ask the stranger ("usually a boy") what time it is. Doing so says to the stranger, "I see you as a friend, and I don't have a watch. Therefore, I'm probably not worth mugging."
• So far, according to Miranda, it's worked "like gangbusters" (8.3).