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Willow Falls #1
11 Birthdays: A Wish Novel
This hilarious novel from award-winning author Wendy Mass is now available in paperback! It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited---after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, she wakes up happy for a new day. Or is it? Her birthday seems to be repeating iself. What is going on?! And how can she fix it? Only time, friendship, and a little luck will tell. . .
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
765 people are currently reading
11012 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Mass
83 books3,690 followersWendy Mass is the author of thirty novels for young people, including A Mango-Shaped Space, which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award, Leap Day, the Twice Upon a Time fairy tale series, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, the Willow Falls, Space Taxi and Candymakers series. Wendy wrote the storyline for an episode of the television show Monk, entitled "Mr. Monk Goes to the Theatre," which aired during the show's second season. She tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they're collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. Wendy lives with her family in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,745 reviews
November 17, 2012
Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com
On the day that Amanda Ellerby and Leo Fitzpatrick were born, a mysterious woman with a birthmark shaped like a duck told their parents that the two newborns would grow up to be the best of friends, and that they should always celebrate their birthdays together.
Through a fluke, one year later, both sets of parents booked the same location for their child's first birthday, and Amanda and Leo took to each other so much that celebrating their birthday together in the small town of Willow Falls became a great town tradition.
Ten years later, Amanda Ellerby is absolutely dreading her eleventh birthday party, the first that she will spend without her ex-friend, Leo. She hasn't spoken to him in exactly one year, ever since she heard him say those nasty things about her at their last joint birthday party.
What's worse is that she's heard all these rumors about the incredible party Leo's parents are throwing for him--with a hypnotist, a band, and a real football player--while she's stuck with this costume party idea that her own mom came up with.
The day finally arrives, and Amanda's eleventh birthday ends up even worse than she could have imagined. She has a pop quiz in History, she bombs the gymnastics tryouts, and only a few people show up at her party (some kids even leave to go to Leo's party instead). When she finally takes off her itchy Dorothy costume with the blistering shoes and crawls into bed, she feels nothing but relief that this horrible day is over.
Except that it isn't. The next day is her birthday again. And the day after that. And the day after that. Is Amanda the only one stuck in this terrible time loop?
I absolutely fell in love with this sweet tale of friendship, magic, and old rivalries. A quickly moving story with some unforgettable characters, 11 BIRTHDAYS takes that Groundhog Day premise and turns it into something much more meaningful.
On the day that Amanda Ellerby and Leo Fitzpatrick were born, a mysterious woman with a birthmark shaped like a duck told their parents that the two newborns would grow up to be the best of friends, and that they should always celebrate their birthdays together.
Through a fluke, one year later, both sets of parents booked the same location for their child's first birthday, and Amanda and Leo took to each other so much that celebrating their birthday together in the small town of Willow Falls became a great town tradition.
Ten years later, Amanda Ellerby is absolutely dreading her eleventh birthday party, the first that she will spend without her ex-friend, Leo. She hasn't spoken to him in exactly one year, ever since she heard him say those nasty things about her at their last joint birthday party.
What's worse is that she's heard all these rumors about the incredible party Leo's parents are throwing for him--with a hypnotist, a band, and a real football player--while she's stuck with this costume party idea that her own mom came up with.
The day finally arrives, and Amanda's eleventh birthday ends up even worse than she could have imagined. She has a pop quiz in History, she bombs the gymnastics tryouts, and only a few people show up at her party (some kids even leave to go to Leo's party instead). When she finally takes off her itchy Dorothy costume with the blistering shoes and crawls into bed, she feels nothing but relief that this horrible day is over.
Except that it isn't. The next day is her birthday again. And the day after that. And the day after that. Is Amanda the only one stuck in this terrible time loop?
I absolutely fell in love with this sweet tale of friendship, magic, and old rivalries. A quickly moving story with some unforgettable characters, 11 BIRTHDAYS takes that Groundhog Day premise and turns it into something much more meaningful.
October 4, 2021
I decided to read this book with the awesome cover on it because it reminded me of my favourite childhood series, and that which inspired my love of reading, Kristy's Great Idea. The Scholastic vibe drew me in, and I thought it would be a nice change. The book wasn't even on my GR shelves but somehow found it on my physical shelf.
It disappointed me. A Freaky Friday premise that was a little flat for me. Best friends end up being stuck on the same day, and funnily enough, one of the kids had a 'Freaky Friday' movie poster up on her wall at her movie themed birthday party.
This was written, just not exciting enough of a plot, and full of repetition. But of course, tame enough for the intended audience.
It disappointed me. A Freaky Friday premise that was a little flat for me. Best friends end up being stuck on the same day, and funnily enough, one of the kids had a 'Freaky Friday' movie poster up on her wall at her movie themed birthday party.
This was written, just not exciting enough of a plot, and full of repetition. But of course, tame enough for the intended audience.
February 3, 2009
Great book for tweens. It encourages them to be true to themselves and to make choices based on their interests and talents not on what will make them popular. My daughter loved it. I think boys will be put off by the cover. However, there is a boy character that I think many of them could relate to.
January 11, 2021
I would have liked a little more excitement and more dramatic "mystery" behind the Groundhog's Day Effect, but this was a pleasant and harmless book with good messages about how to be a friend.
August 6, 2016
"Then put your little hand in mine. There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb..."
I remember watching Groundhog Day over and over again when I was younger. That scene when the alarm clock would chime Sunny and Cher at 6:00 on the dot always cracked me up. The possibilities of reliving the same day without any repercussions was such an amazing concept.
That is a major segment of 11 Birthdays's premise. Amanda and her best friend Leo, live in a charming, magical town called Willow Falls. On the day of her 11th birthday, things don't quite work out like she expects. Like Sixteen Candles, everything that could possibly go wrong does! When that day keeps happening over and over again, Amanda decides to decipher the mystery behind the enchantment.
I listened to the audio version of the book and I just loved Kathleen McInerney's narration. It's not easy making an 11-year-old girl's voice believable, plus all the other characters. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
September 26, 2009
3 1/2 stars. Genres are intertwined here--realistic fiction with a twist of fantasy. Leo and Amanda, born on the same day, have celebrated every birthday together until this year—their 11th. The two had a falling out during their 10th birthday celebration and they have not spoken for a year. Separate birthday parties are planned for the first time in their lives, but then weird things start to happen. Amanda and Leo get stuck in time and their 11th birthday keeps repeating until…
A quick read that I think kids might like. The characters are well-developed. I think the author nails 5th grade relationships. I have a few quibbles with some details in the book. And Leo’s dialog sometimes sounds like a 21-year-old instead of an 11-year-old. I felt the story dragged a bit in places, but overall a fun read.
A quick read that I think kids might like. The characters are well-developed. I think the author nails 5th grade relationships. I have a few quibbles with some details in the book. And Leo’s dialog sometimes sounds like a 21-year-old instead of an 11-year-old. I felt the story dragged a bit in places, but overall a fun read.
February 3, 2011
Wendy Mass writes highly enjoyable realistic fiction with a fantasy twist. The characters are well developed and the 11-year-old friendships and dramas are true to life.
There’s a great message about the need to resolve disagreements and heal grudges—even among 11-year-olds—before you can move on. The story has the poignancy of that 90s movie ‘Groundhog Day’, for a much younger audience.
For girls who need a friendship story this is a fun, easy read.
January 11, 2009
I gave this book four stars, which is a lot for me. i tend to rate low. It's about a girl who was born on the same day as this boy, and they have always celebrated their birthdays together for years. This year (turning 11) they have a fight and don't. The day after their birthday, it is their birthday again. and again. and again. Sounds kind of weird, but i really liked it!!!
December 19, 2009
Review by: Tessa McCorkell
11 Birthdays
1. What did you think the book was about?
This book is about forgiveness, friendship and traditions. Leo fitzpatrick and Amanda Ellerby were born on the same day and celebrate it together every year. But on their 10th they got into a fight that lasted a whole year. When a curse is thrust upon them they must work out their differences and find a way out!
2. Did you feel that the book fulfilled your expectations? Were you disappointed?
It definitely fulfilled my expectations. This may have been the best book I have ever read. It’s filled with laughs, tears, sighs and smiles. It keeps you entertained the whole time.” Leo recites a few lines about friendship and birthdays_ ‘I thought you don’t red your poetry in front of people.’ ‘I don’t I mean I haven’t before but that’s what today is all about.’”
3. What about the plot did it pull you in; or did you have to force yourself to read the book.
11 Birthdays is a book with realistic and fictional scenes. The plot is 2 former best friends who share the same birthday but their 11th keeps repeating itself over and over until Leo and Amanda work out the solution.” don’t you see? They ignored the old woman’s warning and keep fighting, then after the one year mark passed, they got stuck in the loop. You and me got into a fight last year on our birthday, so this year on our birthday the enchantment or what ever it was kicked in. I guess its ‘cause were related.
4. Were the characters realistic? Would you want to meet any of the characters? Did you like them? Hate them?
I really wanted to meet one of the main characters Leo. He seemed like a really nice, funny, generous and fun person to be around. He was comforting to listen to throughout the book. “If I had to be stuck in time with any one I’m glad it’s you.”
5. If one (or more) of the characters made a choice that had moral implications, would you have made the same decision? Why? Why not?
If Leo or Amanda had decided not to work together to find a way to stop the “dreadful Friday” from repeating their whole life, I don’t think I would have liked this book as much. I loved their best friend relationship and wishes I had one as strong as theirs.
6. How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different place or time?
If 11 birthdays had taken place in a different time in Leo and Amanda’s lives like when they were younger they would not have understood the whole situation “Imagine yourselves stuck in this situation before you were even six years old” Or in the past like 100 years ago the=is whole situation may not have been even imaginable.
7. What are some of the book’s themes? Were they important?
Some of the books themes are friendship, forgiveness and traditions. Leo and Amanda were best friends since birth. Their parents met in the hospital “which ones yours?” That one “she said pointing to the little girl who was rubbing her eyes. “She’s precious” then she pointed to the boy who was now happily sucking his fist. “That ones ours”
8. Did the book end the way you expected it to?
11 birthdays ended on a happy note as I expected it to. It was pretty predictable that they would find a way out of the enchantment or at least stop it for the time being. But I had no idea how they would free themselves.
9. Would you recommend this book to other readers? To your close friends?
This book was great I would recommend it to anyone who is up for a short, funny, entertaining read.” it’s like we get a do-over everyday!” Imagine the possibilities if every reset its self.
10. What was your favorite part /scene of the book?
My favorite scene of the book was when Amanda and Leo “finally made up.” It was really toughing because you could see how good of friends they used to be and it’s really too bad when you see great friends get into fights. So when they made up, I guess you could say it gave me hope to become better friends with my old friends I haven’t talked to in a while.
11. What was your least favorite part/ scene of the book?
My least favorite part of the book would have to be when Leo and Amanda got caught skipping class at the mall. I knew from the description of the characters that they were really good people and would normally never skip. They got into a lot of trouble for doing that and were both stuck in their rooms all night.
12. How are the book’s images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot, or help define the characters?
There weren’t any images in the book but there was symbolism Amanda and Leo decorated flower pots for their 5th birthday and an old woman with a duck shaped birth mark “gave Amanda a seed from Leos great great grandfathers tree and gave Leo a seed from Amanda’s great great grandfather’s tree” This was supposed to keep off the enchantment till they were 18 years old as long as they kept their trees near. But after the fight on their 10th birthday Amanda “tossed the pot out the window” into a nearby hedge. Could it still be there?
13. Were there any personality traits in the character that you could identify with?
I was a lot like Amanda when I was younger I was a bit of a tomboy, my best friends were guys because I found it hard to always get along with girls and I could imagine the un imaginable. Amanda had these same traits that were shown throughout the book.
14. What did you learn from the book you didn’t already know?
11 birthdays was more for our entertaining then to tell us an information. But I guess you could say I learned to think more creatively.” I reach over to shut off my alarm, not even remotely surprised anymore that’s its going off without me setting it” “My backpack is waiting for me downstairs, as I suspected it would be even though I had left it in my locker”pg.187 . These are just a few examples of the crazy lines from the book that you would need a big imagination to understand.
15. On a scale from 1-5 what do you rate this book- what would have made this book better?
I gave 11 birthdays a 5 stars but I think the characters could have been described in better detail. I pictured Amanda with long wavy brown hair blue eyes and a mix between tomboy and casual style. Leo having short brown hair a big happy smile and casual style. How will you picture them?
11 Birthdays
1. What did you think the book was about?
This book is about forgiveness, friendship and traditions. Leo fitzpatrick and Amanda Ellerby were born on the same day and celebrate it together every year. But on their 10th they got into a fight that lasted a whole year. When a curse is thrust upon them they must work out their differences and find a way out!
2. Did you feel that the book fulfilled your expectations? Were you disappointed?
It definitely fulfilled my expectations. This may have been the best book I have ever read. It’s filled with laughs, tears, sighs and smiles. It keeps you entertained the whole time.” Leo recites a few lines about friendship and birthdays_ ‘I thought you don’t red your poetry in front of people.’ ‘I don’t I mean I haven’t before but that’s what today is all about.’”
3. What about the plot did it pull you in; or did you have to force yourself to read the book.
11 Birthdays is a book with realistic and fictional scenes. The plot is 2 former best friends who share the same birthday but their 11th keeps repeating itself over and over until Leo and Amanda work out the solution.” don’t you see? They ignored the old woman’s warning and keep fighting, then after the one year mark passed, they got stuck in the loop. You and me got into a fight last year on our birthday, so this year on our birthday the enchantment or what ever it was kicked in. I guess its ‘cause were related.
4. Were the characters realistic? Would you want to meet any of the characters? Did you like them? Hate them?
I really wanted to meet one of the main characters Leo. He seemed like a really nice, funny, generous and fun person to be around. He was comforting to listen to throughout the book. “If I had to be stuck in time with any one I’m glad it’s you.”
5. If one (or more) of the characters made a choice that had moral implications, would you have made the same decision? Why? Why not?
If Leo or Amanda had decided not to work together to find a way to stop the “dreadful Friday” from repeating their whole life, I don’t think I would have liked this book as much. I loved their best friend relationship and wishes I had one as strong as theirs.
6. How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different place or time?
If 11 birthdays had taken place in a different time in Leo and Amanda’s lives like when they were younger they would not have understood the whole situation “Imagine yourselves stuck in this situation before you were even six years old” Or in the past like 100 years ago the=is whole situation may not have been even imaginable.
7. What are some of the book’s themes? Were they important?
Some of the books themes are friendship, forgiveness and traditions. Leo and Amanda were best friends since birth. Their parents met in the hospital “which ones yours?” That one “she said pointing to the little girl who was rubbing her eyes. “She’s precious” then she pointed to the boy who was now happily sucking his fist. “That ones ours”
8. Did the book end the way you expected it to?
11 birthdays ended on a happy note as I expected it to. It was pretty predictable that they would find a way out of the enchantment or at least stop it for the time being. But I had no idea how they would free themselves.
9. Would you recommend this book to other readers? To your close friends?
This book was great I would recommend it to anyone who is up for a short, funny, entertaining read.” it’s like we get a do-over everyday!” Imagine the possibilities if every reset its self.
10. What was your favorite part /scene of the book?
My favorite scene of the book was when Amanda and Leo “finally made up.” It was really toughing because you could see how good of friends they used to be and it’s really too bad when you see great friends get into fights. So when they made up, I guess you could say it gave me hope to become better friends with my old friends I haven’t talked to in a while.
11. What was your least favorite part/ scene of the book?
My least favorite part of the book would have to be when Leo and Amanda got caught skipping class at the mall. I knew from the description of the characters that they were really good people and would normally never skip. They got into a lot of trouble for doing that and were both stuck in their rooms all night.
12. How are the book’s images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot, or help define the characters?
There weren’t any images in the book but there was symbolism Amanda and Leo decorated flower pots for their 5th birthday and an old woman with a duck shaped birth mark “gave Amanda a seed from Leos great great grandfathers tree and gave Leo a seed from Amanda’s great great grandfather’s tree” This was supposed to keep off the enchantment till they were 18 years old as long as they kept their trees near. But after the fight on their 10th birthday Amanda “tossed the pot out the window” into a nearby hedge. Could it still be there?
13. Were there any personality traits in the character that you could identify with?
I was a lot like Amanda when I was younger I was a bit of a tomboy, my best friends were guys because I found it hard to always get along with girls and I could imagine the un imaginable. Amanda had these same traits that were shown throughout the book.
14. What did you learn from the book you didn’t already know?
11 birthdays was more for our entertaining then to tell us an information. But I guess you could say I learned to think more creatively.” I reach over to shut off my alarm, not even remotely surprised anymore that’s its going off without me setting it” “My backpack is waiting for me downstairs, as I suspected it would be even though I had left it in my locker”pg.187 . These are just a few examples of the crazy lines from the book that you would need a big imagination to understand.
15. On a scale from 1-5 what do you rate this book- what would have made this book better?
I gave 11 birthdays a 5 stars but I think the characters could have been described in better detail. I pictured Amanda with long wavy brown hair blue eyes and a mix between tomboy and casual style. Leo having short brown hair a big happy smile and casual style. How will you picture them?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
A fun and unique book rooted in the power of friendship.
I absolutely loved the time loop aspect of this book. It was such an enjoyable concept and it never got dull or predictable despite the fact that the same things kept happening just slightly differently.
The friendship really shined thanks to the great dynamics between the protagonist Amanda and the main character Leo. Throughout the book I couldn’t figure out if their friendship was perhaps more than friendship. Considering they were only 11, I didn’t want to read into something that possibly wasn’t there but that ending suggested that romance could be on the table in the later instalments of the series and honestly, I’m ready for that and enthusiastically look forward to it.
I expected the other friend Stephanie to act as some kind of obstacle but she was actually nice and supportive throughout which was either refreshing or a little lazy in terms of plotting, I can’t decide which. In fact, most of the obstacles weren’t large ones (due to the fact that the time loop meant consequences didn’t last) but perhaps that made the experience of this book all the more fun.
I didn’t mind the “happily ever after” ending here because I got the impression that there will be possible mischiefs coming in the next book and so I’ll let them have their happy ending for now...
I absolutely loved the time loop aspect of this book. It was such an enjoyable concept and it never got dull or predictable despite the fact that the same things kept happening just slightly differently.
The friendship really shined thanks to the great dynamics between the protagonist Amanda and the main character Leo. Throughout the book I couldn’t figure out if their friendship was perhaps more than friendship. Considering they were only 11, I didn’t want to read into something that possibly wasn’t there but that ending suggested that romance could be on the table in the later instalments of the series and honestly, I’m ready for that and enthusiastically look forward to it.
I expected the other friend Stephanie to act as some kind of obstacle but she was actually nice and supportive throughout which was either refreshing or a little lazy in terms of plotting, I can’t decide which. In fact, most of the obstacles weren’t large ones (due to the fact that the time loop meant consequences didn’t last) but perhaps that made the experience of this book all the more fun.
I didn’t mind the “happily ever after” ending here because I got the impression that there will be possible mischiefs coming in the next book and so I’ll let them have their happy ending for now...
February 21, 2013
1/17/13
I am currently reading 11 birthdays by Wendy Mass. This book is about a girl named Amanda and a boy named Leo. They always have their birthdays together. But from what happened at Amanda's and Leo's 10th birthday, they're definitely not having their 11th birthday together. While Amanda is trying to plan her party she is also trying to get her back handspring down to make gymnastics tryouts. But her best friend Stephanie is putting way to much pressure on her to make the gymnastics team. But Amanda loves playing the drums and band tryouts are the same time as gymnastics tryouts. So far I think this book has been great! For example it's really fun to read because Amanda's birthday is so different with out Leo being there. And she's trying to make the gymnastics try outs the same time day as her birthday, and the same time as band tryouts is going on. This book can relate to me because I was trying to get my back handspring down for a gymnastics team also. But I was also trying to try out for soccer. I was getting a lot of pressure on me because I didn't know if I should tryout for gymnastics or soccer. I ended up choosing soccer because I like doing it more and I'm better at it. I'm so much like Amanda in various ways. Another way is that Amanda's best friend Stephanie, is hanging out with another friend named Ruby, way more than Amanda. My friend has done that to me also. Like I said, this book can just relate to me in so many ways which is why I like this book so much.
2/5/13
I am still reading 11 birthdays by Wendy Mass. As I keep reading this book it just keeps getting better and better. A reason for why I believe this is because Amanda's and Leo's 11th happens over and over again. The day just keeps repeating! Its very funny to read things that happen in this book because the choices that Amanda and Leo make practically change the whole day. For example one day Amanda and Leo skip school and try to figure out how the day is repeating. Well they lost track of time. Once their parents found them at the mall, they got in huge trouble! But of course it didn't matter because the next day was like a do over day. This is definitely a character driven book because its about Amanda and Leo trying to figure out why their 11th birthday is repeating. This book relates to me because I have soccer practice 4 times a week and a lot of the times we do the same things so it feels like the day is repeating. Which is like Amanda's and Leo's birthday repeating. Overall this book is great and I think people who like fiction should read it!
I am currently reading 11 birthdays by Wendy Mass. This book is about a girl named Amanda and a boy named Leo. They always have their birthdays together. But from what happened at Amanda's and Leo's 10th birthday, they're definitely not having their 11th birthday together. While Amanda is trying to plan her party she is also trying to get her back handspring down to make gymnastics tryouts. But her best friend Stephanie is putting way to much pressure on her to make the gymnastics team. But Amanda loves playing the drums and band tryouts are the same time as gymnastics tryouts. So far I think this book has been great! For example it's really fun to read because Amanda's birthday is so different with out Leo being there. And she's trying to make the gymnastics try outs the same time day as her birthday, and the same time as band tryouts is going on. This book can relate to me because I was trying to get my back handspring down for a gymnastics team also. But I was also trying to try out for soccer. I was getting a lot of pressure on me because I didn't know if I should tryout for gymnastics or soccer. I ended up choosing soccer because I like doing it more and I'm better at it. I'm so much like Amanda in various ways. Another way is that Amanda's best friend Stephanie, is hanging out with another friend named Ruby, way more than Amanda. My friend has done that to me also. Like I said, this book can just relate to me in so many ways which is why I like this book so much.
2/5/13
I am still reading 11 birthdays by Wendy Mass. As I keep reading this book it just keeps getting better and better. A reason for why I believe this is because Amanda's and Leo's 11th happens over and over again. The day just keeps repeating! Its very funny to read things that happen in this book because the choices that Amanda and Leo make practically change the whole day. For example one day Amanda and Leo skip school and try to figure out how the day is repeating. Well they lost track of time. Once their parents found them at the mall, they got in huge trouble! But of course it didn't matter because the next day was like a do over day. This is definitely a character driven book because its about Amanda and Leo trying to figure out why their 11th birthday is repeating. This book relates to me because I have soccer practice 4 times a week and a lot of the times we do the same things so it feels like the day is repeating. Which is like Amanda's and Leo's birthday repeating. Overall this book is great and I think people who like fiction should read it!
November 18, 2020
🎀 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙤/𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞 𝙖𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬
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why the frick frack why i obsessed with these books when i was young? they were so preppy ugh
it's so... millennial...5 minute crafts...facebook wedding invitation...
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why the frick frack why i obsessed with these books when i was young? they were so preppy ugh
it's so... millennial...5 minute crafts...facebook wedding invitation...
March 24, 2012
11 Birthdays is the best book ever. It is about two very close best friends since birth (literally). They also had the same birthdays and are the same ages. Their names are Amanda and Leo. They've always had a birthday party together until Amanda overhears Leo talking about her during their 10th birthday. Amanda promised herself never to have a party with him again. But this time Leo is having a great party. He has football star, a hypnotist, a giant iguana and a rock band! Amanda only has 15 people coming to her party and she is going to have to wear a itchy Dorothy costume from Wizard of Oz. Amanda just wants to ave her party already so she can forget about her and Leo's fight. But there is one problem the next day is her birthday all over again!!
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
11 Birthdays is the best book ever. It is about two very close best friends since birth (literally). They also had the same birthdays and are the same ages. Their names are Amanda and Leo. They've always had a birthday party together until Amanda overhears Leo talking about her during their 10th birthday. Amanda promised herself never to have a party with him again. But this time Leo is having a great party. He has football star, a hypnotist, a giant iguana and a rock band! Amanda only has 15 people coming to her party and she is going to have to wear a itchy Dorothy costume from Wizard of Oz. Amanda just wants to ave her party already so she can forget about her and Leo's fight. But there is one problem the next day is her birthday all over again!!
View all my reviews
11 Birthdays by Wendy MassMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
11 Birthdays is the best book ever. It is about two very close best friends since birth (literally). They also had the same birthdays and are the same ages. Their names are Amanda and Leo. They've always had a birthday party together until Amanda overhears Leo talking about her during their 10th birthday. Amanda promised herself never to have a party with him again. But this time Leo is having a great party. He has football star, a hypnotist, a giant iguana and a rock band! Amanda only has 15 people coming to her party and she is going to have to wear a itchy Dorothy costume from Wizard of Oz. Amanda just wants to ave her party already so she can forget about her and Leo's fight. But there is one problem the next day is her birthday all over again!!
View all my reviews
April 17, 2015
Strašne chutná a podarená kniha, ak máte nejakú sestru, sesternicu, kamarátku 9-13 ročnú a ešte nefičí na tínedžerských upíroch, tak toto je práve pre ňu!
*btw. viete koľko srandy sme si užili keď nám v tomto polroku vychádzajú slečny MASS a MAAS :) :) :) Jedna Wendy a druhá Sarah J.
*btw. viete koľko srandy sme si užili keď nám v tomto polroku vychádzajú slečny MASS a MAAS :) :) :) Jedna Wendy a druhá Sarah J.
August 22, 2015
Very cute middle grade book!
August 17, 2017
Read this in 4th grade, and I remember being pretty damn proud of myself for reading a more, "Big kid" book. Yeah, I wasn't much of a reader till a few years ago:)
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September 6, 2024One of my childhood favorite series 💗 just felt like rereading it as a comfort read :)
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February 21, 2025its 1 in the morning im manic i just wrote a 7 page essay on 19th century American presidential portraiture . And then. the hairs in my arm rose. I suddenly remembered. This series.
October 10, 2012
What I learned from this book?
I learned you can solve any problem if you put your mind to it.
11 Birthdays is a fiction story about a girl who repeats her eleventh birthday eleven times. The narrator of this book is a girl named Amanda. Everything goes wrong right from the beginning, her best friend Leo and her are in a huge fight and there birthdays are on the same day. On the first day Amanda has a horrible birthday. When she woke up something was not right, she thought her family was playing a joke on her, but then something strange happened. The next day she woke up and it was her eleventh birthday AGAIN! This continued for eleven days. Through out the book she and Leo have to find there way and figure out what is happening. I would recommend this book because it is a mixture of genres, comedy, mystery, and there are quite a bit of cliff hangers. This book is one of my favorite books and one I can read over and over again!
I learned you can solve any problem if you put your mind to it.
11 Birthdays is a fiction story about a girl who repeats her eleventh birthday eleven times. The narrator of this book is a girl named Amanda. Everything goes wrong right from the beginning, her best friend Leo and her are in a huge fight and there birthdays are on the same day. On the first day Amanda has a horrible birthday. When she woke up something was not right, she thought her family was playing a joke on her, but then something strange happened. The next day she woke up and it was her eleventh birthday AGAIN! This continued for eleven days. Through out the book she and Leo have to find there way and figure out what is happening. I would recommend this book because it is a mixture of genres, comedy, mystery, and there are quite a bit of cliff hangers. This book is one of my favorite books and one I can read over and over again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2008
Leo and Amanda have been sharing their birthdays since the first one. After a fight during their 10th birthday they don't speak for a year and end up having seperate birthdays for their eleventh. But, when they wake up the moring after the parties they realize it's their birthday again!! They have to relive the day over and over again until they get it right and become friends again. Kind of like Groundhog Day.
I thought this one was really good and well written. It's a great story of friendship.
I thought this one was really good and well written. It's a great story of friendship.
June 14, 2011
I loved it! At first it seemed really boring but after a few chapters it got to where i couldn't put the book down it was so interesting. Its about these two kids that have the same birthday. They had always had their birthday parties together. But then the boy says something really mean on their 10th birthday that the girl overheard. So they didn't talk to each other for a whole year. Then when its their 11th birthday the day keeps repeating over and over again. But only they notice it. IT IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!
January 30, 2021
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass is a solid tween read. It feels very authentic and I particularly appreciated the pop culture references. I loved the inclusion of the Groundhog Day elements, but I also appreciated that it works as a good contemporary as well. I wish I could have had the opportunity to read this when I actually was the age of the main character or even just a little younger.
September 8, 2019
WHY DO I READ THIS SERIES SO MUCH
April 16, 2020
It was fun and then it got repetitive and then it got boring.
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January 7, 2022saw this in the bookstore the other day and was reminded of the fact that this is quite literally the only middle school series that exists!
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September 27, 2021Please tell me u guys know what this is. This book was my favourite in primary school.
It holds up surprisingly well from a narrative based perspective and I enjoyed rereading it despite its intention for a younger audience. Amanda and Leo are friendship goals and I so wanted to have a magical repeating birthday like they did.
It holds up surprisingly well from a narrative based perspective and I enjoyed rereading it despite its intention for a younger audience. Amanda and Leo are friendship goals and I so wanted to have a magical repeating birthday like they did.
July 3, 2023
The Candymakers will always be my favorite Wendy Mass book but this one’s a lot of fun too.
December 19, 2012
I am currently reading the book 11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass. It's about a girl named Amanda who is having a lot of problems with friendships. Her best friend became her ex-best friend and her new best friend is drifting off to be friends with mean, old Ruby. I've known people like Ruby and they can be pretty viscous but if you get to know them, they might actually be pretty nice. Maybe they're just looking for a friend and the only way they can get one is by stealing it. But if you give them a friend (A.K.A you) they can be nice. I haven't gotten to far in the book (about page 50) so I'm not sure that that's what Amanda's gonna do. I do know that it's her 11th birthday and it's been pretty lousy. And tomorrow won't be any better (hint, hint). I'm not sure why the day will repeat, but I think it has something to do with her and Leo (Amanda's ex-best friend) having separate birthdays. I have my theories about what's gonna happen, but I won't say anything. I love the way that Mass brings Amanda to life and puts the reader straight into Amanda's head. When I'm reading this book it feels like everything has disappeared and I'm right there with Amanda in Willow Falls. Overall I give this book 5 stars. And if you read it, I hope you agree.
~Lexi Z.
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I recently finished the book 11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass. It's about a girl named Amanda who has a really bad day and is ready for it to end. But hen she wakes up Saturday morning, it's Friday again!!!! And of all the people that she could be going through this day loop with, it's her ex best friend Leo. Though this book is funny, adventurous, suspenseful, and mysterious, I hint it also has a message. Friends make mistakes sometimes. Say mean things, do mean things, ignore you for a little while. But sometimes they don't mean it. They don't realize what they're doing is mean or that you're feeling excluded. If you don't forgive them for their mistakes, it my mess you up for a while. (No as bad as Leo and Amanda, but you know what I mean.) I define toy learned from this book. Friends ARE important. I think this book is issue oriented because they have to deal with the day loop and the mistakes that they made during some of the days. My eleventh birthday wasn't quite as eventful as Leo and Amanda's (they share a birthday), but I wish it had been because that would give me something REALLY interesting about myself. My rating of this book isn't the same. It's time I give it 10 stars, and his time I know you'll agree.
~Lexi Z.
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I recently finished the book 11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass. It's about a girl named Amanda who has a really bad day and is ready for it to end. But hen she wakes up Saturday morning, it's Friday again!!!! And of all the people that she could be going through this day loop with, it's her ex best friend Leo. Though this book is funny, adventurous, suspenseful, and mysterious, I hint it also has a message. Friends make mistakes sometimes. Say mean things, do mean things, ignore you for a little while. But sometimes they don't mean it. They don't realize what they're doing is mean or that you're feeling excluded. If you don't forgive them for their mistakes, it my mess you up for a while. (No as bad as Leo and Amanda, but you know what I mean.) I define toy learned from this book. Friends ARE important. I think this book is issue oriented because they have to deal with the day loop and the mistakes that they made during some of the days. My eleventh birthday wasn't quite as eventful as Leo and Amanda's (they share a birthday), but I wish it had been because that would give me something REALLY interesting about myself. My rating of this book isn't the same. It's time I give it 10 stars, and his time I know you'll agree.
November 17, 2014
Summary: In the book 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass the two main characters Amanda and Leo get into a fight. They have had their birthday every year since they were little but since they are in a fight they don't this year. The day of Amanda and Leo's birthday they don't go so great so they just tag along that day and they don't really care. When they wake up the next day they both realize that everything is exactly the same as yesterday. Amanda knew the days were repeating but didn't know how and she thought she was the only one that knew the days were repeating. Until she noticed Leo was acting different than "the day before". They had to get back together and figure out together how to stop the day from repeating. With a little bit of arguments, getting in trouble, and trespassing, they figured out how the days were repeating and they figured out they just needed to become good friends again.
recommendation: I recommend this book to people because in the book even though the two main characters get in a fight it shows that you can get over it and become friends with someone because its bad to give up on someone. Another recommendation why you should read this book is because it explains the setting very well, and you can picture the places the characters are in your head.
Interview:
Me: How did you feel about the days repeating?
Amanda: I got really frustrated when everything came back day after day. Even the things I didn't want, like wearing a horrible itchy costume. I felt like I was the only person who saw that the days were repeating until I noticed Leo who was acting different every day. Then, I figured out it was his birthday and wondered was it something to do with that.
Me: What was one thing that you learned from this?
Amanda: I learned that even though you may be in a fight with your friend, you can't give up on each other, you have to get over it at one point, and talk it out.
Me: How did you feel when you and Leo got to be friends again?
Amanda: It felt really good to have someone that you knew forever back into your life. It made me feel so proud even though we had to go through days repeating. All that matters is that we are back together and found how to work it out.
recommendation: I recommend this book to people because in the book even though the two main characters get in a fight it shows that you can get over it and become friends with someone because its bad to give up on someone. Another recommendation why you should read this book is because it explains the setting very well, and you can picture the places the characters are in your head.
Interview:
Me: How did you feel about the days repeating?
Amanda: I got really frustrated when everything came back day after day. Even the things I didn't want, like wearing a horrible itchy costume. I felt like I was the only person who saw that the days were repeating until I noticed Leo who was acting different every day. Then, I figured out it was his birthday and wondered was it something to do with that.
Me: What was one thing that you learned from this?
Amanda: I learned that even though you may be in a fight with your friend, you can't give up on each other, you have to get over it at one point, and talk it out.
Me: How did you feel when you and Leo got to be friends again?
Amanda: It felt really good to have someone that you knew forever back into your life. It made me feel so proud even though we had to go through days repeating. All that matters is that we are back together and found how to work it out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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