13 Gifts

July 15, 2011

A rash decision involving attempted theft of a school mascot sets into motion a series of life-altering events for nearly–13-year-old Tara.

Mysteries abound as readers return to Willow Falls in this third installment of the series. Years of constant relocation have caused the reclusive Tara to avoid forming friendships. She also longs to understand her mother's mystifying need to continually move. Banished to her aunt's house for the summer, Tara soon finds herself embroiled in another mishap. Mass revisits familiar ground with a plot that loosely follows the formula of her previous novels, 11 Birthdays (2009) and Finally (2010): The protagonist is on the cusp of a birthday and must go through a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment guided by the enigmatic Angelina. In payment for her misdeeds, Tara must complete a curious scavenger hunt before her 13th birthday but soon discovers she requires the help—and maybe even the friendship—of others. Tara's quirky personality invigorates the familiar plot. Mass skillfully resolves mysteries while perpetuating Willow Falls' mystique. Readers will be eager to discover the outcome of Tara's quest.

In equal parts philosophical and wryly humorous, this magical tale will satisfy both fans and new readers alike. (Fiction. 9-13) 

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Starred review from September 1, 2011

Gr 6-8-After a failed attempt at stealing a goat from her principal's office, Tara's punishment to spend her summer with relatives in the small town of Willow Falls. As she soon discovers, its inhabitants are anything but ordinary. Tara's younger cousin, Emily, stays up late to solve math theorems; David, who lives across the street, sings and chants in a hole in the backyard in preparation for his bar mitzvah; and best friends Amanda and Leo wear chalkboards to communicate with one another. These quirky kids and others help Tara as she seeks to collect 13 curious objects required by a mysterious woman in exchange for something essential not only to her, but also to the town. In her quest, she and her new friends dress up in Sunshine Kid uniforms, sneak into the historical society, and meet a celebrity heartthrob. Finally, on her 13th birthday, Tara comes to the realization that life is better spent in the game than on the sidelines. By fusing middle-school drama with just a sprinkle of magic and mystery, Mass provides an optimistic and genuine addition to the coming-of-age genre. Many readers will relate to Tara, a seventh-grade wallflower who gains self-confidence, friendship, and a true place in Willow Falls. Her narration has an authentic voice, allowing readers to experience her thoughts, motives, and feelings. Mass keeps the plot jumping like a fireworks display; there's one surprise spark after another, all coming together at the end for a breathtaking finale.-Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2011
Grades 4-7 Like 11 Birthdays (2009) and Finally (2010), Mass' earlier books set in Willow Falls, this story revolves around a girl's birthday and includes a tinge of magic. A fundamentally good kid but a loner, Tara arrives in town to spend the summer with relatives. Though soon embroiled in more trouble, she works her way out of it with the help of the wonderfully supportive kids in this small community. Characters from the earlier novels reappear in Tara's involving first-person narrative. The book's ending will leave fans hopeful for a resolution of the broader enigma within this unusual series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2012
After getting suspended from school, Tara is sent to stay with relatives. They live in a strange town where an eccentric shopkeeper demands Tara obtain thirteen seemingly random items before her thirteenth birthday. As Tara completes the list, she learns surprising secrets about the townspeople. Her rewarding journey from bystander to active participant shows communities can be built in the strangest of ways.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 15, 2011

A rash decision involving attempted theft of a school mascot sets into motion a series of life-altering events for nearly-13-year-old Tara.

Mysteries abound as readers return to Willow Falls in this third installment of the series. Years of constant relocation have caused the reclusive Tara to avoid forming friendships. She also longs to understand her mother's mystifying need to continually move. Banished to her aunt's house for the summer, Tara soon finds herself embroiled in another mishap. Mass revisits familiar ground with a plot that loosely follows the formula of her previous novels, 11 Birthdays (2009) and Finally (2010): The protagonist is on the cusp of a birthday and must go through a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment guided by the enigmatic Angelina. In payment for her misdeeds, Tara must complete a curious scavenger hunt before her 13th birthday but soon discovers she requires the help--and maybe even the friendship--of others. Tara's quirky personality invigorates the familiar plot. Mass skillfully resolves mysteries while perpetuating Willow Falls' mystique. Readers will be eager to discover the outcome of Tara's quest.

In equal parts philosophical and wryly humorous, this magical tale will satisfy both fans and new readers alike. (Fiction. 9-13)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)