43 pages • 1 hour read
Wendy Mass11 Birthdays: A Wish Novel
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
After they’ve solved the enchantment and reconciled, Amanda says, “Can’t hold grudges, right? You don’t get any do-overs in life” (252). Describe a time you have wanted a “do-over.” What did you learn?
Wendy Mass describes several types of friendships in the novel. Select two friendships and use evidence from the novel to contrast and compare them. Do these friendships change over the course of the novel?
Leo and Amanda’s relationship changes over the course of the novel. What other relationships change? Why do they change?
What is the effect of Amanda’s first-person narration on the way the story is received? How might omnipotent third-person narration have resulted in a different experience of the same story?
Describe how Amanda is able to successfully execute the back handspring at the end of the novel after struggling at the beginning. What does this move symbolize in terms of Amanda’s development and maturity?
Is Stephanie a positive or negative influence on Amanda? Explain your position using examples from the story.
What role do the character’s villains, Ruby and Vinnie, play in terms of exerting peer pressure? How does their presence at the story’s conclusion serve to illustrate Amanda and Leo’s growing maturity?
Like the feud between their ancestors, Leo and Amanda’s falling out has ripple effects. Using examples from the story, explain how what those ripple effects are and who is affected.
Angelina’s role is never fully explained. Who might she be? What evidence is there that she is responsible for the enchantment? If she is responsible, what are her goals in Willow Falls?
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By Wendy Mass
