Sunshine State Standard Book #1

                                             11 Birthdays

Author: Wendy Mass

Grade Level:

5^th and 6^th

This book would be great for 5^th and 6^th graders because the characters’ ages would be relatable to them.

Summary:

11 Birthdays is a first person narrative told from the point of view of Amanda, a ten year old girl. Amanda and Leo used to be best friends, but they haven’t talked in a year since their 10^th shared birthday. They are brought back together when they both begin to relive their 11^th birthday every day. In the climax of the book, Amanda and Leo figure out that they need to become friends again for the spell to be broken. At the end of the story they share their 11^th birthday and their friendship is stronger than ever.

11 Birthdays in the classroom:

I think 11 Birthdays would be a great book to use with creative writing. Some of the writing topics would be:

·       Is there a day in your life that you would like to relive?

·       What would you do if you could live a day with no consequences?

·       Have you ever had a fight with a friend? How did you resolve it?

ESOL strategies and 11 Birthdays:

ESOL students can work in discussion groups to talk about what is happening in the book after each chapter. Working in a group would allow them to listen to how their classmates understand and offer their own input in a small group setting.

Read Aloud:

57-70

I would read these pages to the students because it is the first time Amanda relives her 11^th birthday. I think this part will make students want to continue reading because they will want to know why this is happening.

Personal Opinion:

11 Birthdays is a lot of fun to read. I think it would make a wonderful Disney Channel Original movie. I think the theme of the story makes it appealing to a lot of readers. 11 Birthdays is not the best book I have ever read, but it kept me reading so I could figure out the mystery.