Amanda and Leo were
born on the same day. They were actually born at the very same hospital! After they shared an accidental first birthday party, the two celebrated all of
their birthdays with each other until and became best friends. Amanda and Leo did everything together until their tenth birthday. Their party came with some drama,
and Amanda vowed she was never speaking to Leo again after the way he
embarrassed her. She hasn’t spoken to him for a whole year, and now that their
birthday is here, she can’t help wonder who will show up at her party, and who
will be at Leo’s. From the start, her 11th birthday is a bit of a disaster—she
has a pop quiz she wasn’t prepared for, her gymnastics try out is terrible, and
then her party is even worse. She doesn’t like the “costume” theme her mom
planned, especially because her outfit is uncomfortable and her shoes pinch her
feet giving her blisters. Plus, almost everyone is at Leo’s amazing party. Amanda
can’t wait to go to bed and have her birthday be over and done. Only when she
wakes up it’s her 11th birthday again. And each day it keeps happening- no
matter what she does to change things. It isn’t long before Amanda and Leo
realize they are the only ones reliving this day with “memories of what
happened before”. Now they have to figure out how to get to Saturday, the day
after their birthday. Can they figure out what to do? Is there any way to get
things back on track? What would make for the best 11th birthday? You’ll have to read this realistic fantasy fiction book to find out.
I have read other
books by Wendy Mass, but 11 Birthdays
is my favorite book by her so far. Amanda and Leo seem like very realistic
kids, and I enjoyed seeing the different ways their birthday played out. It gave
me a lot to think about. What would I do if I could relive the same day over
and over again? Would I do anything wild to see what would happen? Or would I
try to do everything okay and by the rules so I would be able to deal with
things the next day if it ever came? I like the stories of friendship and
the different turns of events because it showed how all of our actions ripple
out— even in ways we do not see. Change one thing about your day and there will
be surprise impacts from that act all day (especially if you know how the
day went originally). I would recommend this book to anyone in fourth grade and
up who enjoy books about friendship and a little bit of magic. I noticed this
is the first book in the Willow Falls series. I look forward to checking out
the rest.
Has anyone else read 11 Birthdays? Or have you read another
book by Wendy Mass? Would you like to
relive a day over and over again?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading. 😀
~L
Like the Ground Hog Day movie with Bill Murray. This sounds adorable! I'll have to look for it!
ReplyDeletebetty
Betty- Definitely like Ground Hog Day, but around a shared birthday. It's a lot of fun! :)
Delete~L
Like Groundhog Day for kids!
ReplyDeleteAlex- You betcha! :) ~L
DeleteSounds like a wonderful story, I would like to read the story myself. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValerie- It was fun to see the different things they tried on their do over birthdays. :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read anything by Wendy but what a great premise.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- It's a fun series for sure! She has lots of books that aren't in the series too. :) ~L
DeleteI would hate to live and relive any one day.
ReplyDeleteWonderful premise for a book. Lots to consider and explore.
EC- It would be very weird to keep reliving the same day. I guess having someone with you who remembered each do over would help. :)
Delete~L
It does sound a great story :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- I really enjoyed it! :) ~L
DeleteSure sounds like a winner. The groundhog day type ones are usually fun.
ReplyDeletePat- Totally! Lots of possibilities. :) ~L
Deletelove this, sounds wonderful and fun!!hugs!
ReplyDeleteGloria- Glad you like the sound of it. :) ~L
DeleteHi DMS - this sounds a delightful book - albeit a bit worrying if one was caught up in the situation. I must see if it's in the library ... but thanks for letting us know about Amanda and Leo - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary- It would definitely be weird and worrisome to keep reliving the same day! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds like a good story.
ReplyDeleteMary- I really enjoyed it. :) ~L
DeleteI don't know how I missed this one. It sounds super fun. I will be looking for it. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteRosi- I enjoyed it and it's the first in a series of four or five books. I hope you like it if you get a chance to read it. :) ~L
DeleteWhat an interesting story. I'm curious as to how it turns out. New one for me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- Glad to introduce you to a new book. :) ~L
DeleteSounds like a fun read! I might have to see if I can find this one.
ReplyDeleteKate- I thought it was fun. I was very curious to see how it would all turn out. :) ~L
DeleteSounds fun.
ReplyDeleteThe Armchair Squid- Definitely! :) ~L
DeleteThis story sounds such a fun read!
ReplyDeleteLove Affair with Food- I thought so! :) ~L
DeleteThanks for introducing me to this book, sounds a fun one!
ReplyDeleteNas- You are welcome. I got really into it. :) ~L
DeleteThis story sounds like a fun read!!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- You betcha! :) ~L
Delete