Review Detail

4.0 4

11 Birthdays (11 Birthdays #1)

Middle Grade Fiction 495

Would YOU want a duck-shaped birthmark?

May 17, 2009 (Updated: June 23, 2026)

Overall rating

3.0

Plot

3.0

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Reader reviewed by Kyra

Amanda and Leo were born on the same day, and ever since they have celebrated their birthdays together. Then, on Amanda's tenth birthday, she hears Leo telling his friends that he only does the brithday thing with Amanda because she will get really upset if he doesn't. He also tells them that he thinks it is really stupid, and blah, blah, blah. Amanda never wants to see Leo again. They are mad at each other for one whole year. Then, on their 11th birthday, Amanda is still mad at Leo. The next day, it is her birthday again. The fourth day, Leo sends her a that says "Happy Birthday, for the fourth time!" It turns out Leo is stuck in the day too, and he doesn't know what is going on. No one else knows the day is repeating. It turns out that an ancient family legend says that if these two, direct descends of two other men who got in this arguement, are mad at each other for one year, they will be stuck in the same day until they make up. Well, Amanda and Leo make up, but they are STILL stuck in the same day!

Here are the Cons:

I didn't get why, if Kylie, Amanda's older sister, was mad at Leo, why she didn't get stuck in a day. She is still a direct descendant. The legend didn't say they had to be born on the same day. Also, cheerleading and marching band auditions when you're 11? That was slightly unrealistic. I liked the book, but I found the AWESOME cover a little bit cooler than the story inside.

Here are the Pros:

Great plot, very fresh and original. Good developement of character throughout the book. Very gripping, and a page turner when you get going towards the end. Amanda has a kind of wit that is a bit old for her, but very funny. Good descripitions of character. I like the description of Angela with her duck-shaped birthmark on, I think, her neck. That made her stick in your mind. But that was also mildly creepy. Would YOU want a duck-shaped birthmark? I wonder if that is supposed to mean something. Like it represents a wizard group. Oh yes, very nice ending.

Guest

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