"11 Birthdays" by Wendy Mass

I chose to review this book because it was a nominee for the 2011 Oregon Readers' Choice Award. It is also on the 3rd-5th grade list for the 2011-12 Oregon Battle of the Books.

11 Birthdays
Author: Wendy Mass
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 9-12 years

SUMMARY
Amanda and Leo have known each other since the day they were born. They are best friends and have celebrated every birthday together. But at their 10th birthday party, Amanda overheard Leo say something hurtful and she hasn't spoken to him for an entire year. Now it is their 11th birthday and Amanda discovers that her important day isn't nearly as special without her best friend. She is relieved when the day finally comes to an end. However, when she wakes up the next morning, she discovers that it is her birthday all over again...and again...and again. Amanda worries that she might be going crazy, until she discovers that Leo is also trapped in the same time loop. As they repeatedly relive their birthday, together they learn some important lessons about family, friendship, and making good choices.

CRITIQUE

I didn't know anything about this book when I began reading it. At the beginning, I was skeptical that this was going to be another tale filled with pre-teen romance and angst. I was wrong. Although the main idea is certainly not original (think Groundhog Day) and the plot was a little thin in parts, I thought it was an enjoyable story. It was refreshing to read a book about tweens who love and respect their families and who try to be kind even to their enemies. This book touches on many of the difficulties facing children this age without being too precocious. The main characters are charming because they act their age. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to readers in the 9- to 12-year old range, although I expect that girls would be more likely to enjoy this story.

RATINGS
Disrespectful/Bad Attitude: Mild
Frightening/Suspenseful: None
Profanity: Mild
Sex: None
Substance Use: None
Mature Themes: None
Violence: None

SPECIFIC CONTENT
Disrespectful/Bad Attitude:

-On different occasions, Ruby rolls her eyes, glares, and laughs at Amanda.

-Brief mention of Ellerby and Fitzpatrick destroying each other's property during their infamous feud.

Profanity:
-Use of words such as lame, dumb, heck, and stupid.